Stop hate politics, says Akademi chief

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 14

People from various walks of life, including teachers, students, social activists, lawyers, theatre lovers, journalists, and other professionals, gathered here to protest incidents of communal violence and bid to curb freedom of expression.

Prof Sukhdev Sirsa, president, Punjab Sahit Akademi, said: “Punjabis have deep respect for dissent and diversity in terms of culture and it is this very composite cultural spirit which is now under threat from the present government”.

“The journey from Godra to Dadri is full of bloodstains of innocent people lynched for no fault of theirs. Let us stop this hate politics, lest the country will fall apart for want of mutual trust,” warned Prof Manjit Singh of Swaraj Lehar.

Prof Chamal Lal, while congratulating the literary stalwarts who registered their protest by returning awards, warned about the pending danger of fascism from the present government that protects Hindutatva elements.

“It is my right to choose my dress, food and aesthetic sensibility, but the present government wishes to snatch it from me. Is it not the beginning of fascism,” he said.

Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, Patiala MP, also addressed the gathering and expressed apprehensions if the Modi government was serious to maintain communal harmony in the country.

Others who addressed the gathering included Megh Raj Mitter, Gulzar Sandhu, Akashaya Kumar, Mohan Bhandari, Kamaljit Singh, Inderjit Singh, Prof Ranvir Singh and Hardev Arshi.