‘Honour’ killings
THE Cover Story article “In the name of honour” (March 13) rightly observes that Tamil Nadu has become a classic example of a paradox: a State with a history of the Self-Respect Movement, rationalism and women’s liberation and achievements in the sphere of education becoming home to the killing of young couples in the name of caste. One thought caste killings were a phenomenon of northern India.
Interestingly, few caste killings in Tamil Nadu appear to involve Brahmins. This was evident in Sri Lanka, where Tamil society was dominated by the Vellalas, but that did not make it any less casteist.
It is the responsibility of the Dravidian parties, which trace their ideological origins to Periyar E.V. Ramasamy’s Self-Respect Movement, to ensure that their transformative politics does not end up in the empowerment of only certain castes.
Priyadarshi Dutta, New Delhi
THE judgments in the Lata Singh and Nitish Katara cases have given the progressive sections of society the impetus to fight the practice of “honour killings” tooth and nail. Caste is the bane of India and needs to be eradicated.
People with a feudal mentality go to the extent of killing their own blood relatives to maintain the “supremacy” of their castes.
S. Murali, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Reservation
THIS is with reference to the article “Row over verdict” (March 13). It is my personal view that promotion should be based only on one’s merit and performance and not on the basis of caste.
Ashok Nihalani, Pune, Maharashtra
Dr Kafeel Khan
IT is beyond comprehension that the authorities in Uttar Pradesh are baying for Dr Kafeel Khan’s blood even after a court acquitted him of all the charges against him and a government-appointed commission absolved him of the charges of medical negligence and corruption (“A case of vendetta”, March 13).
Those responsible for the shoddy deals at the BRD Medical College, Gorakhpur, in tandem with the powers-that-be obviously find him a thorn in the flesh and want to hound him on cooked-up charges.
Ayyasseri Raveendranath, Aranmula, Kerala
Indian Army
WITH the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment relating to permanent commissions for women officers in the Indian Army, India joins the ranks of more than a dozen countries where women serve in combat roles (“A bastion breached”, March 13). The fact that the Army chief expressed his confidence in women officers and is preparing a road map to grant permanent commissions to eligible women officers will go a long way in not only lifting their spirits but also giving them enough confidence to meet challenges successfully. The historic ruling is a morale-booster for women officers.
K.R. Srinivasan, Secunderabad, Telangana
New Delhi
Arvind Kejriwal stubbornly beating the drum of the Aam Aadmi Party’s verifiable achievements without getting caught up in the BJP’s ridiculous accusations of him being anti-Hindu, anti-nationalist and a terrorist endeared him to Delhi voters from all castes, classes and corners of India (“Winning formula”, February 28).
All the BJP’s attempts throughout its campaign led by various Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and MPs under the leadership of Home Minister Amit Shah failed to influence the voters or hijack AAP leaders, a popular technique the BJP uses to deflate its opponents. The AAP remained intact and focussed on its target of getting an opportunity to serve and better the lives of the people of Delhi.
M.N. Bhartiya, Alto-Porvorim, Goa
CAA
IT is shameful that atrocities are being committed against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar (“Reign of terror”, January 17). Did Muslims commit any crime against Hindus? Have Hindus lost their tolerance? The Citizenship (Amendment) Act has led to protests and unnecessary violence. The government at the Centre should be concerned about providing the common man with basic amenities, generating employment for the youth, improving the economy, and so on. Is Gandhiji’s vision of India only a dream?
E.M. Khan, Bengaluru
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