India under Threat
The increasing attack on Muslims is no less than total failure of the law and order machinery. The fear of law is invisible as they are making claims and taking pride in lynching as if the rule of law does not exist at all. Most of them are undeterred and are doing everything without any fear as if they are getting full support. A statement made by them recently makes us believe that they are getting support and the state and police are aiding and abetting such people to do more such crimes. There is an impression that nobody can harm them, no matter how violently they break the law and order and how inhuman they become.
These elements are the enemies of peace and should be considered to be hindrance in growth and development because they have created a sense of insecurity among the masses. It appears that the state machinery in most of the places have turned a blind eye and are providing many bases and support to rule the roost. The civil society and peace-loving people should counter such inhuman and violent attacks.
Akmal Hussain
Delhi
Saffron Hooliganism
Yet again another brutal lynching of an innocent cattle trader by saffron hooliganism has been reported in BJP-ruled Rajasthan. Cow protection slogan is actually used to polarise society and is directed against Muslims and Dalits. Neither the Supreme Court’s directives nor the new GOMS suggestions will have any impact as long as there is political climate conducive to vigilantism and political support for the vigilantes. Akabar Khan’s death is a culpable homicide in which both VHP mob and Rajasthan police must be booked. The case should be handed over to CBI or any outside agency. The responsibility of the mob as well as of police in the murder of Akabar Khan must be fixed. By saying it was a custodial killing alone the Rajasthan Govt is trying to protect the VHP mob that attacked. It is evident from repeated lynching attacks that mobs have protection from state Govt. Our PM chooses to remain silent on lynching. A contempt petition should be filed in the Supreme Court against Rajasthan govt for its failure to check lynchings.
Nazeer Ahmed Kazi
Prof. Secab, Vijaypur
The Spirit of Democracy Missing
This refers to the news item “Political Democracy should Be Based on Social Democracy: Hamid Ansari.” (Radiance Viewsweekly, 24 July-4 August). Most of us would agree to what was said on democracy given the kind of atmosphere we are in today. No one can say for sure that we stand true to the demand and aspirations of social, political and institutional democracy. Civic and moral education can help us move forward in the direction of strengthening our democracy where the role of citizens becomes supreme and paramount.
On the international stage also our rating for democracy is not very impressive despite the fact that we boast in pride to have one of the largest democracies. It is true that to some extent we can say that we have achieved electoral democracy but are still far away from achieving social and institutional democracy which is vital for a country like India in its march towards growth and development. The former Vice President has rightly argued that political democracy must be based on social democracy. Our electoral democracy is a success story, but it has not transformed itself into inclusive, substantive and participatory democracy.
Iftakhar Alam
New Delhi
Special Issue
I have seen the advertisement of special issue on “Muslim Women in the Eye of the Storm” in Radiance. I am eagerly waiting for it. Special issue generally is reflective of topic in detail and covers the idea and the theme of the subject in broader perspective that can satisfy every reader on the subject. It was a good topic decided at the very right time to present the real issue with its background in order to clear doubts, misunderstandings, false beliefs, prejudices and myths in the mindset of the people. I do hope that this special issue will help to clear the doubt of the people and help them arrive at a logical conclusion on the on subject with objectivity.
Akmal Khan
Chennai