M A I L B A G

Jats, Dalits must strive for peace

The editorial “Burning casteism” (Sept 2) rightly condemns “the nasty demon of casteism” and warns against politicisation of the shameful episode and against “criminal hot heads”.

Jats have kind hearts and are broadminded. They are not a caste, but a race with blood ties. They carry everyone including the Dalits and the Brahmans with them in social matters, through Khap and Sarvakhap Panchayats. In principle, they are for peaceful coexistence with non-Jats irrespective of caste and creed. Sir Chhotu Ram had united Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Jats against communalism and casteism under his Kisan banner. He hugged the Dalits as much as he loved the Jats. There has never been any rivalry between the Jats and the Dalits. They are natural allies in all fields of life.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has ordered CBI inquiry into the Gohana incident. CPM leader and MP, Brinda Karat, has appealed for caste harmony. But certain vested interests are out to create trouble. Let the Jat and Dalit leaders put their heads together and nip the evil in the bud. The government should be vigilant against anti-social elements.

Prof HARI SINGH, Kheri Jat (Jhajjar)

II

The editorial “Burning casteism” was well worded and timely. In a civilised society, an editorial like this should serve as a catalyst in getting the administration moving in arresting the law breakers and criminals swiftly and in protecting the lives and properties of the poor and innocent.

Unfortunately, I do not believe anyone is going to jail or be disciplined 
for whatever happened at Gohana. Like in the past, no inquiry has done 
anything good to restore the confidence of the public or brought any change in the callous attitude of the police. It is a clear indication of people’s loss of faith and confidence in the police. The need of the hour is the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those responsible for burning Dalits’ houses and dismissal of the police for not doing anything to investigate such a serious case. This is the only way to deal with this situation.

SUBHASH C. CHAUDHRY, Indianapolis (USA)

III

On reading The Tribune report (Sept 8), I just wondered that being a Dalit or non-Dalit does not change the fact that human life has to be valued. In the first place, why is it considered important to mention that the girl was a Dalit? Indian society has already many flaws in inequality in terms of caste and creed. It would not be easy for the affected family to be labelled as Dalit and being in limelight.

Why did the government fail to take steps to curb this menace where travel agents are playing with the lives of young men and women? Apparently, there are some hidden facts which we the people need to know. It’s time people wake up.

MANPREET NIGAH, Winnipeg, Canada

IV

It is disgusting to note how we Indians take advantage of the privilege of self-expression given to us by our democratic set-up. The media today is full of reports about the people taking to the street and resorting to violence on every trivial issue — from fee hike to road accident. Are we moving back to the primitive era when combat was the only means known to gain a point? Do we display any signs of a civilised society?

The incidents following Gohana — when cities became battlefields with the youth roaming the streets, brandishing swords and the authorities actively conniving with them — are highly condemnable. I am afraid, what role would the police and civil authorities play if some violence breaks out. Would people safe in such an eventuality?

We need to address this problem urgently and introspect as to what is the kind of life we want to lead — the ugly, the brutal or the beautiful and loving, gifted to us by God.

Dr NAMRATA JOSHI, Jalandhar  

V

Incidents of Gohana kind have become the order of the day. The group knows well that the law enforcing agency and the process of justice are full of hurdles. They are bound to remain without deterrent punishment. Those in power declare that such incidents will not be repeated, but there is no indication from any quarter on how this objective can be achieved.

The immediate solution lies in allowing the law enforcing agency to take on-the-spot decision to contain such mass disturbances. In addition, the system of intelligence and upward communication system of the district administration needs to be upgraded. The ground officials are to be fully supported by their superiors till such time the decisions are in the interest of those enforcing the law.

The primary means to achieve the breakthrough are, one, the law enforcing agency should be made independent and its strength increased in proportion to the rise in population. Two, the number of judges for a population of one lakh should be increased to 10. And three, the Centre and the states should take cognisance of this in the right spirit.

AMAR SINGH, Chandigarh