Date:18/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/18/stories/2008111855350804.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Campus violence

Campus violence is a curse on all States. The clash between two groups of students in the Dr. Ambedkar Government Law College, Chennai, was certainly not an isolated incident.

Political and communal forces manipulate students for their ends. And the students end up becoming the ultimate losers. Teachers are helpless when students clash under the patronage of political bosses.

K.A. Solaman,

Alappuzha

Students get emboldened and resort to arson and hooliganism because of the support and protection from political parties and caste leaders. Even students who want to study earnestly are denied a healthy atmosphere or dragged into caste politics. Unfortunately, police hesitate to take action as it can culminate into a serious law and order problem and the opposition can exploit the issue. Though condemnable, the police inaction in the law college episode must be seen in this context.

Tharcius S. Fernando,

Chennai

True, the police inaction is unacceptable. But had the police swung into action and the exigencies of the situation constrained them to use force resulting in the death of even one student, vested interests would have seized the opportunity. Many more lives would have been lost, not to mention the torching of scores of buses. The task of the police is delicate and difficult indeed.

G.M. Jeyabalan,

Sattankulam