Zoya Hasan conveniently forgets to mention the violence resorted to by unscrupulous elements posing as “farmers” by burning private properties and stoning buses with passengers, but instead condemns the government’s action in imposing Section 144 of the CrPC and other restrictions in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh (“Restricting protests, stifling descent”, June 26). While police firing is condemnable, she should have criticised the violent incidents which led to many police personnel being injured. She also tries to justify the visits of Opposition political leaders to protest sites.
These are only for political gains. Has Ms. Hasan forgotten how people were injured in police action in Darjeeling only because it is happens to be an Opposition-ruled State? Freedom of expression, dissent and the right to protest are essential in a democracy but people taking the law into their hands and subjecting innocent people to hardships should be severely dealt with.
M. Amarender Reddy,
Secunderabad
