THE RSS-led Sangh Parivar has started showing signs of aggression and has given tacit approval to some of its front organisations to indulge in terror activities (Cover Story, August 13). For instance, Abhinav Bharat, one such front, has become a tool for communal and terror propaganda. The ugly face of the Sangh Parivar was revealed in the Malegaon blast and the Kandhamal incident, both in 2008.
I BELIEVE that terrorism knows no religion and terrorism of all kinds should be condemned. The RSS cannot be dubbed a terrorist organisation just because some of its members have turned to violence.
The use of words like Hindu and Muslim terror suggests that Indian citizens are falling prey to vote-bank politics. Instead of asserting ourselves as distinct communities, it is high time that we, both Hindus and Muslims, came together to combat terrorism.
Ashita Kulshreshtha Lucknow, U.P.IT is true that hard-core fundamentalism picked up momentum, creating a sharp social divide on religious lines, after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992.
The Malegaon blast is a blot on the Hindu ideology and dharma. In a secular and civilised society like India, there is no place for such extremist activities. Vested interests with the active support of some political parties are trying to create a divide in society, and this needs to be dealt with with an iron hand.
Ettirankandath Krishnadas Palakkad, KeralaTHE situation today is similar to the one that prevailed in 1948, when futile attempts were made to link Gandhi's assassin Godse to the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh. Today the alleged violent actions of some organisations are reported as being part of the bigger agenda of the RSS. The objective seems to be to malign the RSS. The trick is very old. It failed then. I hope it fails again.
Raghunarayan M. MysoreLooking EastINDIA can look forward to increased economic and trade ties with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Rising Status, August 13). The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation has been a non-starter since its inception mainly because of the inflexibility of Pakistan. Hence, India should look towards the East. Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Singapore and Cambodia are expanding economies, and China is consolidating its economic ties with them.
India should also do so as part of a larger ASEAN, and actively pursue its look East policy.
H.N. Ramakrishna Michigan, U.S.James LaineTHE controversial book by James W. Laine is mischievous falsehood (Blow to a ban, August 13). Laine is an irresponsible historian as he has written the several objectionable sentences without substantive evidence. In the box article An icon as a political tool, the name of Babasaheb Purandare, a historian known for his biography of Shivaji, is incorrectly given as Dadasaheb Purandare.
Ujwal S. Jagtap Buldana MaharashtraArmy generalsNOORANI'S article Talkative Generals is disturbing (August 13). While talkative generals cause concern, the diplomats engaging them in their evil designs cause alarm. I hope this article will wake up the powers-that-be to take immediate corrective action in the interests of our democracy.
Dr (Brig) R.S. Rajan MysoreIqbal GeoffreySOME widely respected scholars and connoisseurs of art mention Iqbal Geoffrey as a loyal friend and his visual and verbal pranks as tokens of affection (Collage of life, August 13). Geoffrey, who was born in undivided Punjab, was artistically and socially a cosmopolitan. As a collage-maker, he could create surreal connections and conjure up the whole world.
T.V. Jayaprakash Palakkad, KeralaInflationINFLATION touching double digits does not augur well for India (Cover Story, July 30). While the G-8 countries are under a protectionist regime, our government seems more inclined to open up our markets further for global players. The poorer sections are reeling under the dual effects of inflation and low wages.
The support people gave the all-India bandh organised by the Opposition parties is not an expression of their political loyalties but of their hope that it will move someone in the higher rungs of the UPA regime to curb its oppressive policies.
THE Cover Story was analytical, factual as well as thought-provoking. Hopefully this will enlighten the masses about the real cause of inflation, which has been portrayed as a sign of growth by some economists.
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