Is mob lynching the new normal for India? Is it not necessary that the political class issues a strong message to people not to take the law into their hands? All it needs is a firmly worded message from the leaders who matter. One need not wait for the four weeks for the recommendations of a high-level committee that the government has decided to form (“Alwar fallout: govt. panel to check cases of mob lynching”, July 24).
Akshi Ashok,
New Delhi
In India, this new tyranny of lynching, especially of members of certain minority communities, is increasingly becoming regular, signifying a virtual collapse of the law and order machinery. The recent spurt in hate crimes can be traced to that sense of immunity from the law. What is equally appalling is civilised society’s indifference to a growing mob rule. The perception of political impunity among cow protection vigilantes has been further strengthened by a Union Minister’s thoughtless act of felicitating convicted lynchers.
Padmini Raghavendra,
Secunderabad
The nation has been promised ‘sabka saath, sabka vikas’ and ‘acche din’, but there only seems to be a growing sense of unease spreading across the country. The ‘phenomenon’ of lynching, based on the principle that ‘might is right’, should not be looked at in isolation. It is closely and inextricably linked to the present political climate. The Prime Minister has to do more and protect all citizens, irrespective of religion and livelihood, and demonstrate his commitment to the Constitution.
G. David Milton,
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Incidents of mob lynching seem to be more in the news than stories about the development of this great nation. What a shame. Vigilantism has become widespread that it can be attributed to the Centre’s indifference. Why blame States alone?
N. Visveswaran,
Chennai
The reported death by lynching of a person in Alwar marks another shocking and new low; the situation is obviously getting from bad to worse. Does India have to wait for a stage where countries may even be forced to issue travel advisories? All it needs is for the police to be empowered and deal with the situation with an iron hand.
A. Mohan,
Chennai
The way the model for lynching works is that there is probably a signal from the leadership-that-matters in the right wing. Since it happens in States, they can then wash their hands off the issue as law and order is a State subject. Is all this part of a plan to orchestrate communal chaos before the general election? Is the right wing under the illusion that this is what will help the ruling party win the elections in the Hindi heartland?
S. Kamat,
Alto St. Cruz, Goa
