Irrational violence

Islamist fundamentalist organisations rooted in religious obscuratism have long been prone to sudden bursts of irrational violence at the slightest provocation.Recently,the Shiv Sena rooting for the cause of the Maratha Manus-claiming that Mumbai belongs only to the Marathis,and not to all Indians - caused mayhem in the Sapno ki Nagri of India.It was just post Holi that a Kannada newspaper published an article purportedly written by the renowned Bangladeshi author Tasleema Nasreen on the patriarchal prejudices in the Muslim society and the Burqah system.The violence was so severe that readers like us cannot fathom.

The stone throwing and arson by fanatics in Karnataka's Shimoga and Hassan districts were a nasty challenge to the freedom of expression guaranteed in the Indian Constitution.Two people died,one of them in police firing,after thousands of protestors came out in the streets and indulged in indiscriminate destruction of private and public property.By violently protesting against every instance of the article the religious fundamentalist obviously want to enforce a ban,otherwise legally unsustainable,on her critical and creative works.The larger purpose obviously was to criminally intimidate free-thinking writers who dare to question the religious practices and the impact it has on the growth of an egalitarian society.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right and communal,intolerant elements cannot get away blatantly with such unconstitutional acts.In this particular case, Ms. Nasreen sees a conspiracy to misuse her writings to create public disturbances and denies having written any article for the Kannada newspaper.

The issue is not the authenticity of the article or its authorship.It is challenging the very democratic fabric of the constitution of India.Fatwas and threats of violence in the name of religion are meant to coerce people,especially writers and artists and public figures,into unquestionable submission to religious diktat.The perpetrators should be severely punished.There is no place for such acts in a civil society.The police reaction was equally condemnable.There was no use of tear gas,water cannons or rubber bullets to control the mob.The deaths could have been avoided had the police been better prepared.

However,I feel it is the duty of every responsible newspaper to know how much to publish keeping in mind the sentiments of a particular religious group.That the editor failed to see what was coming is indeed unfortunate.The media should anticipate the consequences of carrying out inflammatory reports and should refrain from publishing them.Mischief-mongers are always on the prowl,waiting for a reason to indulge in arson.Death and destruction caused in such acts of violence should be treated as heinous crimes and perpetrators be punished.

It is the duty of every citizen of this country to stand by and protect the constitution of India and the fundamental rights it encompasses.Sad events like these only impede our growth as a secular country and restrain us from becoming a utopian society.

"Jahan daal daal par sone ki chidiyaa karti hai basera....woh bharat desh hai mera....???"