Autocratic tendencies

Sir, - The arrest of the Sun TV reporter needs to be condemned by all right thinking people. June is probably not the most auspicious month for fundamental liberties, considering that it was in June 26 years ago that the Emergency was imposed and the press was muzzled by an imperious leader in New Delhi. In this age of right to information and at a venue (civil supplies depot that should be open for scrutiny by any citizen of the State and cannot be construed to be a place of restricted entry for security reasons) that is so public, if the entry and press coverage by a local representative invite retributive action, it can only reveal the high-handedness of the present regime. There is need to curb such autocratic tendencies.

Mushtaqh Ali,

Chennai

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Sir, - The recent politically motivated incidents in Tamil Nadu, including the arrest of a TV journalist leading to road roko by pressmen in Chennai, should be condemned. These do not bode well for democracy as every act seems to be vengeful, without reason or rhyme. What happened at the last meeting of the Chennai Corporation was equally deplorable. The watch and ward staff, even if they belong to the State Government, are bound to obey the Mayor who is the people's elected representative. I am afraid that one day at this rate a situation may arise when personnel drafted by the State police for court duty will not obey the orders of the court. Each and every department cannot have a separate police force for running its offices. The absence of the Commissioner of the Corporation at the Council meeting must be deplored.

Indiscriminate transfer of IAS and police officers for political reasons, and dismissal of Ministers even before they have had time to settle down are authoritative acts that border on arrogance. At this rate every official will feel insecure and try to bide his time instead of discharging his duties honestly and sincerely. Ms. Jayalalithaa who has come back to power from near oblivion should desist from such actions, not only in her own interest but also in the interest of the State.

C. Lakshmi Narain,

Chennai

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