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Moral policing is a matter of concern

You have rightly pointed out in the editorial “Intolerance unlimited” (Feb 17) that the unabated, invasive and unwarranted moral policing is getting more brazen day by day. Plus, it is violating people’s rights, which is a matter of great concern. Visiting pubs, moving out with men in restaurants and wearing western outfits in no way qualifies for liberation or modernity. Yet any forceful obstruction in allowing an individual to choose to do so, certainly amounts to curtailing liberty and individual rights of the person, as guaranteed by the constitution.

The need of the hour is to address the real issue which, it appears, is the cause for the outrage a large number of men in this country feel about the perceived emergence of a class of women, Indian in blood and colour but shockingly Western in taste, opinions and morals.

There is no doubt that some misguided people's violent attempt to cleanse society is abhorrent and must not be tolerated. It would be better if Sri Ram Sene activists channelise their energies to do something worthwhile. Why don’t they pay attention to those living without basic amenities? Their efforts will be appreciated if they become model teachers and start campaigns in schools and colleges against alcoholism and drug addiction rather than becoming unbridled goons, taking the law into their own hands.

SUMAN KUKAL, Chandigarh

Safe journey

In the morning, the Union Railways Minister Mr Lalu Prasad Yadav presented the railway budget with great pride. In the evening there were two rail accidents indicating that little has been done to ensure safety. He promised bullet trains which would only lead to more disasters.

The bus-train accident at an unmanned crossing has given an indication that before starting the bullet train, let us first convert unmanned crossings into safe crossings. What is the point of introducing more trains if the existing infrastructure is not safe?

H P SHARMA, SAS Nagar

Venkataraman

This has reference to the news item “RV — A copybook President” (Jan 28) that appeared in your esteemed newspaper and your editorial on R. Venkataraman dated January 29, 2009. With all due respect to the departed, as a Sikh nationalist I must bring on record that R.V. was the Defence Minister in 1984 when he along with Indira Gandhi ordered the dreadful Operation Bluestar, which destroyed Hindu-Sikh amity for all times to come.

Secondly, in cancelling the 1991 elections to the Punjab Assembly and the Parliament segment from Punjab, at the eleventh hour, on the advise of Narasimha Rao whom he had not, at that very period of time, sworn in as Prime Minister, R.V. did not crown himself with glory — not legally, not constitutionally and not morally. This is no time to be critical of the man, but let’s call a spade a spade. He was not a copybook President for us Sikhs.

SIMRANJIT SINGH MANN, President, Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar),
Quilla S. Harnam Singh, (Fatehgarh Sahib)

Shun abuses

I want to congratulate the letter writer KK Sharma for raising a very serious issue of abuses (Feb 12). Actually, it is not only the uneducated but also well- educated people who use abusive language.

However, there is no way abuses can be banned. But these can be avoided by self- introspection. Use of abusive language in front of ladies and children is totally unacceptable and must be shunned.

RAVINDER KUMAR JAIN, Ludhiana