Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Protest peacefully

Sir, — The roguery in the name of "protecting Indian cultural values" by the self-appointed culture police — the Shiv Sena workers — in Maharashtra on the occasion of Valentine's Day is highly condemnable. Whether Valentine's Day is acceptable to Indian culture or not is a different matter. Even if we accept that it corrupts the minds of Indian youth, nobody can order those who wish to celebrate it to abstain. Ours is a democratic nation where every person has the right to celebrate anything provided the celebration does not affect others.

The Valentine's Day celebrations in no way affect others. Moreover, any decision banning the celebrations must come from the Government and not from any political party. The vandalism by Shiv Sena and VHP workers in many parts of Maharashtra, particularly Pune, amounts to a violation of human rights. Their actions are similar to those of the Taliban.

Those opposed to the celebrations could very well have conducted peaceful processions and public meetings to register their protest and to air their views. Indulging in violence is totally undemocratic.

V.Balasubramanian,

Porayar, T.N.

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