E-Paper
A judicious use of force is the sign of a mature democracy
It is heartening that Waquar Ahmed in Tumour in uniform (August 12) has taken up cudgels on behalf of the disadvantaged who are fighting for justice in the streets or languishing in lock-ups, being abused by the men in khaki.
It is heartening that Waquar Ahmed in Tumour in uniform (August 12) has taken up cudgels on behalf of the disadvantaged who are fighting for justice in the streets or languishing in lock-ups, being abused by the men in khaki. The use of force must be commensurate with the crime and can’t be a tool to punish those who have already got a raw deal economically and socially. With India poised to experience greater economic and social growth, it’s time to discontinue the use of mindless violence that ends up exploiting the poor and powerless.
K. Venkataraman, Delhi
Stop living outside the law
Sagarika Ghose in In August company (Bloody Mary, August 12), has talked about the principle of equality, but then the principle of liberty is also equally important. The destitute have always been suppressed in India, and their rights trampled upon with impunity. India is the world's largest democracy, but when it comes to following basic rules and regulations, we Indians don't believe in abiding by the law, and are always looking for ways to subvert it. The pledges that Sagarika has talked about must be inculcated in our daily lives and every Indian should try to live within the parameters of the law.
Siddarth Guha, Delhi
A sell-by date for politicians
Rajdeep Sardesai in Age of competence (Beyond the byte, August 7) has made the point that good ideas can be generated and implemented in the political sphere by people of any age. But I do not agree with his argument, for just as other citizens must retire at a particular age, our politicians must also do so gracefully and allow the next generation to take on new challenges and fulfil a nation’s aspirations just as their elders did. Atal Bihari Vajpayee did well to have retired gracefully, so should L.K. Advani and others in every major political party.
R.L. Pathak, Delhi
