This refers to the editorial “ >The language of violence ” (April 7). We are wasting a lot of time discussing fringe issues such as the chanting of nationalistic slogans. It is really worrying that this subject has attracted so much opinion. That people are inciting violence so blatantly is highly condemnable. There are far more important issues in our country — the worsening drought situation and increasing farmer suicides, for instance. It is time the Prime Minister sent out a strong message to extremist elements that such statements will simply not be tolerated, especially as some of his own party members support these statements.
Saishankar Swaminathan,
Chennai
Baba Ramdev’s appeal to sectarian feelings in his overzealous display of ‘nationalism’ should be condemned. Such a brazen act of thumbing the nose at the laws of the land through hate-filled, incendiary utterances should invite punitive action. The adoption of mere chanting of slogans like Bharat Mata ki Jai as political and executive touchstones can have undue consequences for a diverse country like India which nurtures political opinions of all shades.
Shreyans Jain,
New Delhi
Remarks by people like Baba Ramdev point to why Section 295A still holds relevance. Freedom of speech and expression is not absolute. It should not be used as a tool by fringe elements to threaten the minorities. It is strange that our discourse on nationalism merely revolves around the chanting of a slogan; whatever happened to acting according to the Constitution? People like Baba Ramdev must be punished for violating the law of the land.
Madhavikutty M.S.,
Thiruvananthapuram
Baba Ramdev’s statement not only incites violence, it also produces a false impression that Hinduism is a violent religion when it is actually a peace-loving one. Some minorities may not chant the slogan not because they are enemies of the country but because they don’t consider the land as sacred, they don’t worship land as god, as some Hindus do. And it is the fundamental right of all Indians to not worship what they don’t wish to worship. This slogan, like many other symbols, is being misused by fringe elements who want to impose their beliefs on others. Democracy is seriously being threatened in India, as people are being told what to eat, wear, who to worship, and to speak only what Hindutva forces sanction with the facade of ‘nationalism’.
K.Muhammed Ismayil,
Kozhikode
