The attack on the IBN offices and the assault of its journalists, including women (Nov. 21), are a blot on the Marathi tradition of honouring women which the Shiv Sena always talks about. Its MP Sanjay Raut’s justification of the brutal attack as “spontaneous” is laughable. The Maharashtra Home Minister and the DGP’s assurance of stringent action should not remain on paper. The Sena is getting emboldened only by the consistent failure of the Maharashtra police to take action.
M.K.B. Nambiar, Mahe
The Shiv Sena attack on journalists will do no good to the Maratha pride. Criticism is part of democracy. If IBN had used derogatory remarks against Bal Thackeray, the Sena chief, he could have taken recourse to the law. Exemplary punishment should be meted out to those involved in vandalism.
K.V. Seetharamaiah, Hassan
Though one feels sorry for attacks on journalists, one should also acknowledge that correspondents, often in their zeal to get quick news, pay less attention to its quality. Leading anchors often engage in bitter conversations, hurting the sentiments of those being interviewed and their supporters. Let restraint be the watchword for the analysts and panelists of leading television news channels.
Indranil Basu, Chennai
