Date:18/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/18/stories/2008111855350801.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

BJP stand

This refers to BJP president Rajnath Singh’s statement that the party will back the accused in the Malegaon blasts. The party’s dual policy — of favouring tough action against even suspects belonging to a particular community and accusing the government of having political motives in the case of the Malegaon blast suspects — is unfortunate. Don’t the accused belonging to the Muslim community deserve similar consideration from their leaders? Why has the party kept quiet on numerous instances of arrests and police encounters involving Muslim youths? The BJP is only attempting to reinforce its oft-repeated claim that terrorists can only be Muslims.

Mohd Arshad,

Aligarh

It is unfortunate and shameful that a serving army officer is a prime suspect in the Malegaon blasts and other subversive acts. If the charges against him are proved, his conduct would be tantamount to treason. He should be given stringent punishment which should act as a deterrent for others.

It is quite surprising that Lt. Col. Shrikant Purohit was able to continue with his activities unnoticed by the counter-intelligence wing of the army.

K.G. Balachandran,

Ernakulam

Come elections and we see politicians somersaulting on their earlier statements. BJP leader L.K. Advani’s assertion that all terrorists are criminals and have no religion is a case in point. Is it the same BJP that has reiterated time and again that ‘all Muslims are not terrorists; but all terrorists are Muslim?’ If the alleged Hindu terrorists are innocent, what about Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale who is still revered by many Sikhs?

Balvinder Singh,

Chandigarh

It is unfortunate that parties politicise even investigations into terror activities. When Muslim suspects are involved, parties such as the SP and the RJD espouse their cause. The Jamia Millia Islamia even offered legal aid to two terror suspects, and the HRD Minister endorsed the offer. With Hindu names coming up in the Malegaon blasts, the BJP and its sister organisations have alleged a conspiracy. Terror cannot be fought under such circumstances. If such propaganda is allowed to continue, the people may lose faith in the investigating agencies.

J.M. Manchanda,

New Delhi