The rabble-rousing speech of Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen leader Akbaruddin Owaisi and the subsequent reluctance of the law-enforcing authorities to take action against him reinforce the need for police reforms in India (“An antidote for pure poison,” Jan. 4). It is clear that police action, in such cases, depends on various political calculations.
D. Saraswati,
Delhi
In a diverse country like ours, nothing should be said that promotes hatred between religions. It is important for Hindus and Muslims, two important communities, to develop a sense of camaraderie so that peace and harmony can prevail. Appropriate action should be taken against Mr. Owaisi for making a hate speech targeting a community. That the editorial has not restricted its focus to a Muslim leader but has identified Hindutva leaders who have made similar comments is laudable. One certainly hopes the issue will be taken forward so that it would help build a more acceptable and composite community.
J. Jayaram,
Kochi
I could not believe what I heard when I watched Mr. Owaisi’s hate speech on Youtube. I condemn the speech and wish to see this man behind bars soon. He does not represent my religion in any manner whatsoever. I have never experienced any oppression in my entire life as portrayed by him. He has done more harm to the community than good by making the speech. It is indeed time we curbed such communal politics and hate speeches in secular India.
Md. Zareef Ahmed,
Hyderabad
Mr. Owaisi’s venomous speech should be a turning point, just as the gang rape in Delhi was. He should be punished under Section 153-A of the Indian Penal Code to ensure that no one, from Hindutva or Islamic group, repeats such hate mongering.
Aditya Deekonda,
Hyderabad
The MIM leader’s hate speech aims at disturbing communal harmony in the country. Such leaders belonging to any religion or community should be dealt with strictly. If convicted, they should not be provided any place in our socio-political system.
Jaseem Ali Khan,
New Delhi
