The Hindu : Hear our own voices

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 10, 2002

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Hear our own voices

Sir, — It was exhilarating to hear the External Affairs Minister, Jaswant Singh, declare that India would not accept outside prescriptions (May 8). Bravo. Let us forget outside prescriptions; only, one wonders when we are going to accept inside sentiments. Mr. Singh said rightly that while the developments in Gujarat were regrettable, India would not be spoken to. This brave posture would have carried greater credence if only we had listened to domestic sentiments.

In fact, the nation made its voice heard through the many human rights groups that visited the riot-torn State, the National Human Rights Commission, the Minorities Commission, several women's groups, the press and a little later, through discussions in both Houses of Parliament. Except for the diehard Sangh Parivar forces, the whole country had unanimously demanded the removal of the present State Government. But we were adamant about not accepting those internal pleas. By all means, let us ignore the external bullies but hear the internal wails.

Yaseen Ashraf,
Kozhikode, Kerala

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