The real intention of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy in asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to confer the Bharat Ratna on Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa appears to be to annoy the political leaders and the people of Tamil Nadu ( >Oct. 21 ) Dr. Swamy must realise that in doing so, he has made the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of India, a subject/object of mockery. His move deserves to be condemned.
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Sullurpeta, Andhra Pradesh
Though this is a personal appeal by Dr. Swamy, it shows that in India, there are no limits to the freedom of speech. Let us not bring dishonour to the Bharat Ratna. Sri Lanka’s Tamil population is not Indian and it is up to the Sri Lankan Government to take steps to protect its people and let them live in peace. The LTTE is no longer a threat and even Europe appears to be watering down its position as far as this outfit is concerned. It is best that Dr. Swamy takes steps to ensure that Indian fishermen can fish in peace in territorial waters.
Rajakumar Arulanandam,
Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu
While there is no denying the fact that the Rajapaksa government rid the island nation of the LTTE, Dr. Swamy cannot ignore the fact of there being widespread allegations of gross human rights violations towards the fag end of hostilities. Dr. Swamy’s suggestion is bound to stir up a hornet’s nest in Tamil Nadu.
C.V. Aravind Nair,
Bangalore
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