Ban Internet Only If Necessary
Whenever violence erupts in the country, the first move by governments of all hues is to ban the internet. Messages on social media and the web spread fake news with the potential to destabilise an already fragile situation. But could this just be an argument for unplugging the internet?
The brutality depicted in a video of brutal sexual assault in Manipur recently should give policymakers pause. The assault and gang rape took place on May 4, but due to an effective ban on the internet, the clip went viral only two months and a half later. Lack of connectivity suppressed the gritty details of other serious crimes unfolding in Manipur.
It has also, intuitively, enabled an environment of hatred and speculation, as without the Internet it has been possible to mobilise and counter-mobilise communities based on speculation and rumour. In addition, such restrictions cause difficulties to local people.
Manipur proves that internet bans are not very effective for long periods and in complex situations. Use them if they’re necessary, but not as a tool of arrest, and even then, only judiciously, and with caveats, some of which have already been enshrined by the country’s highest court.
Tauqeer Rahmani
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Rahul Gandhi Says Govt. ‘Murdered Mother India’
Rahul Gandhi started his speech by thanking Speaker Om Birla for reinstating his membership of the Lower House. “The last time I spoke, I also caused you (Birla) pain. I focused on Adanaji with such intensity, your senior leaders felt pain. That pain also affected you, for that I apologise to you,” Mr. Gandhi told Mr. Birla.
Criticising Prime minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur ever since the violence broke out, Rahul alleged the PM doesn’t consider the state part of India. “I went to Manipur a few days ago. Our Prime Minister has not gone there till now,” he said.
“By killing the people of Manipur, you have murdered Bharat, you are not desh bhakt (patriot) but desh drohi (traitor),” the Congress leader alleged despite mounting protest by the ruling party members. Speaker Om Birla then argued with Mr. Gandhi to exercise restraint while speaking in the House, asserting that “Bharat Mata is our Mother.” However, Mr. Gandhi said: “I am not talking about the murder of my mother in Manipur. My mother is sitting here. The other mother, Bharat Mata, you killed in Manipur. I only spoke the truth,” he said.
Continuing his attack on the government in over 30 minutes speech, Mr. Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister listens to only two people, Amit Shah and Gautam Adani just as Ravan paid heed to only two people’s advice Meghnad and Kumbhkaran. Mr. Gandhi also showed an old poster of Mr. Modi and Mr. Adani sitting together in an aircraft, and claimed that “Modi doesn’t listen to India’s voice but theirs (Adani Groups’).”
Chowdhry Nisar Ahmed
Noorullah pet, Ambur (Tamil Nadu)
Public Opinion on Uniform Civil Code
Recently the Law Commission once again called for public opinion on Uniform Civil Code while an earlier exercise a few years ago had revealed that there was no proper response from public, many were of the opinion that such code is neither necessary nor desirable.
BJP is in power for the last nine years. They have not solved the issue, but it appears that they have stirred a hornets’ nest for political considerations. This issue will definitely divide the society on communal lines.
A uniform code seems like a mirage in our pluralistic society. If it is implemented, it will impinge on fundamental right to religious freedom. Unity in diversity is our system; therefore, you cannot take for granted whatever you do. We are followers of many religions but one nation, let us be proud of it. Let the status quo continue.
Nazeer Ahemed Kazi
Professor Secab
Vijaypur, Karnataka