The Hindu : Need for restraint

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 30, 2002

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Need for restraint

Sir, — This refers to your Editorial `Continued provocation' (Sept. 26). It provides an insight into some of the probable reasons why terrorists have focussed on Gujarat. Going by the incidents of the last several months in the State and, especially Ahmedabad, a tragic incident such as the attack on Akshardham temple was only waiting to happen. While analysing the tragedy, let us not ignore the fact that the thoughtless utterances of high-ranking BJP leaders and the sangh parivar had only provided fertile ground to the militants and enemies of the country who had to simply ask two of their highly-motivated members to undertake the operation.

It should be borne in mind that any heat that is generated during election speeches by making communal references just to garner a few extra votes also acts as a booster for the militants and their motivation is greatly enhanced.

The BJP cannot escape its responsibility, and should own up its share of blame for creating the present mess in Gujarat. No one needs proof that Pakistan and anti-national elements supported by it are behind such militant attacks in India.

But after every militant strike, our Home Minister gets away with his responsibility by declaring that Pakistan is behind the strike. Is this not a signal of the Government's helplessness, if not its incapability? The need of the hour is to totally avoid any action that is communally provocative or divisive.

G.D. Jasuja,
Ahmedabad

Sir, — The attack on the Akshardham temple reaffirms the belief of millions that any policy of political divide based on religion, caste or creed for votes is suicidal for the nation. It will only lead to the total destruction of our country. I wonder how long the power-thirsty politicians will take to understand this. The path shown by Gandhiji should be analysed again. The helpless under-educated millions in the country do not support the policies of communal divide but do not know what to do.

V.K. Jaiswal,
Nagpur, Maharashtra

Sir, — This refers to the news report, `Clue points to Pak. nationality' (Sept. 27): I disagree that in Pakistan we refer to Indian Gujarat as Gujrat Hind, Hyderabad Deccan is commonly used to refer to Indian Hyderabad to differentiate it from Pakistani Hyderabad, but not Gujarat. Pakistani Gujrat is a small city and not much is talked about it, whereas we commonly refer to Gujarat in India by explicitly pointing out that it is Indian Gujarat, the name on the chit the Indian authorities have got from the terrorists referring to ``Gujrat Hind'' is not known here as a name for Indian Gujarat.

But one thing is for sure: we share the grief and sorrow with our Indian brothers and sisters for the innocent killings in the temple.

Shehzad Ali,
Karachi

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