Date:12/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/12/stories/2003041200021002.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Authoritarian

Sir, — Your Editorial `Two birds with one stone' ( April 11 ) was a soothing balm for the people aghast at the kind of authoritarian rule being unleashed by Jayalalithaa's government. Not only was the DMK leader and former Chennai Mayor, M.K. Stalin, arrested under questionable circumstances, but also over 40 Opposition MLAs were rounded up as if they were petty criminals.

When a cross-section of the people — traders, students and government employees — resorts to agitation, it is the duty of the Opposition to demand a discussion in the Assembly.

V. Srinivasan,
Chennai

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Sir, — I studied in Queen Mary's College during 1931-35 and continued to stay in the college hostel during my training (LT) in the Lady Wellington Training School. I owe my success in education and social service to the then Principal, De La Hare, and other professors. I am pained to read reports about the proposal to demolish my Alma Mater for the construction of a new building for the Secretariat. I wish I could join the protest. My age and health stand in the way.

Kokila Kalahasti,
Chennai