Bal Thackeray must be lauded for protecting the rights of Marathis
This refers to the editorial The tiger will roar no more (Our Take, November 19). There’s no denying that Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray played an instrumental role in many acts of violence against certain minorities in Maharashtra in the 90s. He deserves to be criticised for the same. But one must praise Thackeray for protecting the rights of Marathis and preserving the Maratha culture in the state. Though some people termed his brand of politics ‘parochial’, the truth is that it’s because of Balasaheb that the Marathis lead a respectable life today.
Kajal Chatterjee, Kolkata

The huge crowd present at Thacker-ay’s funeral procession on Sunday is a proof of the immense popularity that the Sena chief enjoyed not only in Maharashtra but also in India. His passing away has put a question mark on the future of the Shiv Sena and the state’s politics at large. It remains to be seen if Uddhav and Raj Thackeray agree to forget their differences and join hands now.
Janga Bahadur Sunuwar, Jalpaiguri

Put an end to this bloodshed
This refers to the report Gazans battle for survival, Israeli forces on high alert (November 19). The present round of hostilities between Israel and Gaza is bad news for West Asia. It’s clear that Hamas cannot win this war, as Israel has a huge army and enjoys support from developed nations like the US. Therefore, an intervention by the United Nations and the international community is the need of the hour. Both sides must be forced to put an end to the bloodshed and engage in a peaceful dialogue.
Zulfikhar Akram, via email