Urgent Action Urged against Hate Speeches
The Supreme Court’s order to take suo motu action against those making hate speeches has prompted the representatives from several organisations in Jalgaon, Maharashtra to demand strict action against the speakers at an event held by Hindutva organisation Hindu Janjagruti Samiti (HJS) in Dharangaon area of the city. It was at the event held last month that the speakers delivered hate speeches against Muslims and incited the participants to an economic boycott of the minority community.
The delegation comprising members of diverse religious backgrounds submitted a memorandum to Superintendent of Police, urging an FIR against the perpetrators who indulged in spreading social disharmony and fear-mongering. It pointed out that such speeches and gatherings were creating a harmful and dangerous environment for Muslims as open calls for violence and taking up arms against Muslims were also made. The speakers, the delegation claimed, exhorted the Hindu gathering to “chop the religious minority into small pieces”. The memorandum emphasised that police inaction in taking cognizance of the hate speeches was detrimental to prevailing peace in the region.
It is high time the police took stringent action against hatemongers.
Umar Farooq
Jalna, Maharashtra
A Bad Taste in the Mouth
Sameer Wankhede shot into prominence with the arrest of Aryan Khan, son of the famous SRK. Many questions were raised about the raid itself and the attempts at extortion by the NCB.
By claiming he was being targeted for being a patriot, he has once again proved G.B. Shaw right in his observation that “patriotism is the last resort of the….” But why should he worry? If he hasn’t done anything wrong, he will be released. Doesn’t he have faith in the investigative agencies?
There have been too many cases involving those who are supposed to maintain law in Maharashtra. Such cases leave a bad taste in the mouth.
From Parambir Singh to Vaze, all are under the lens for involvement in crime syndicates. Not finding cash at his home means nothing. In fact, having just `23,000 in cash is suspicious. For a well-connected inspector, it would not be out of place to have a few lakhs around.
Anthony Henriques
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Report on International Religious Freedom
The United States has once again flagged attacks on minorities in India. Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official state visit to Washington DC, the Bedin administration has stated that it would continue to urge New Delhi to address the issues related to India’s alleged backsliding on religious freedom. The US State Department on May 15 released its 2022 report on international religious freedom.
The report makes a survey of religious freedom around the world and claims to provide a fact-based comprehensive view of the state of religious freedom in nearly 200 countries. It has said that many governments, including those of China and India, continue to target members of certain faiths and communities. The report also highlighted how religious conversion is banned by legislation in many states of India and how religious minorities are attacked on regular basis in the country. The report also outlined “continued targeted attacks against religious communities” that promoted dehumanising rhetoric and hate-fuelled violence, calls for genocide of Muslims and bulldozing of their houses.
Nazeer Ahemed Kazi
Prof Secab
Vijaypur, Karnataka
Disturbing Trend
A disturbing trend has recently been observed where celebrities are seen advertising for a carcinogenic product like pan masala both in print and electronic media. Renowned film stars as well as a band of senior cricketers are observed promoting such products with aplomb.
The perilous trend is all the more grave since this is widely publicised during direct telecast of the ongoing IPL matches viewed by millions. Is it too much to ask that such advertising be prohibited?
Ajoy Maitra
Kolkata, West Bengal