Date:28/12/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/28/stories/2002122800351000.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Dangerous `edict'

Sir, — The VHP leader, Praveen Togadia's `death sentence' to opponents of the Hindutva makes him a new Ayatollah and infinitely more dangerous. What is sad is that there has been no public outcry against this "fatwa", which is against all the teachings of the Hindu dharma. It has the potential of spilling innocent blood in a new Kurukshetra of hate, bearing no element of righteousness.

Raja Bhat,

Wilmington, U.S.

Sir, — The outburst of Praveen Togadia deserves outright condemnation by all nationalist-minded and correct-thinking Indians. Anyone who undermines the national interest and instigates the innocent public is an anti-national. Should we tolerate such a statement from an organisation which has close links with the Central Government? Karl Marx had said that religion is like opium. Fanaticism is fatal to any country.

R.S. Lal Mohan,

Nagercoil, T.N