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This is an archive article published on July 15, 2010
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Opinion Regular exceptions

This refers to the editorial ‘The land of chup’. It’s one of the most important indicators of a mature society to safeguard freedom of expression

The Indian Express

July 15, 2010 03:26 AM IST First published on: Jul 15, 2010 at 03:26 AM IST

This refers to the editorial ‘The land of chup’ (IE,July 14). It’s one of the most important indicators of a mature society to safeguard freedom of expression and also to have an openness about facts,even if they seem to denigrate conventional opinions. As rightly observed in the editorial,the political class seems to be out to outdo each other in voicing their opinions against the apex court ruling. Nobody dares talk about issues that would invite the wrath of the government or certain sections of society.

However,while most people are sensitive about the possible reaction of certain social segments,they’re totally intolerant of Maharashtrian reactions,however relevant or reasonable they may be — Mumbai’s population explosion or the Belgaum issue and the Centre’s high-handedness. Totally supportive of your reprimanding in this case,we expect The Indian Express to be as courageous and fair as always and lead national attention to suppressed issues like the ones mentioned above.

— Shrikant V. Kulkarni

Dombivali

Studying icons

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Our political parties may have different ideological stripes but most of them have a common streak — promoting their interests even at the cost of reason and truth. They speak in one voice,indulge in competitive politics,only to draw maximum political mileage from contentious and emotive issues. This is what’s happening in Maharashtra. Critical,scholarly comments cannot detract from the importance of and our respect due to our political,cultural and historical figures. The treatises only put historical facts and events in proper perspective. In fact,our knee-jerk and violent reaction to them is only belittling and localising our icons’ statures. It’s unfortunate that the legacy of our idols is being hijacked and appropriated by politicians.

— Tarsem Singh New Delhi

Brave new docs

This refers to the editorial ‘District doctors’ (IE,July 13). It’s heartening to learn that the Union health ministry has given permission to the MCI to start a short Bachelor for Rural Medicine Course. The government has rightly overlooked opposition from the medical fraternity. It’s true that MBBS doctors’ unwillingness to serve in rural areas is a big reason for dismal health services there. This course will help bridge the urban-rural gap in medical services. It’s a revolutionary step. But the government must ensure that this scheme doesn’t help quacks get fake degrees.

— Manoj Parashar

Greater Noida

For Kashmir

Najeeb Jung has rightly encapsulated the whole situation in Kashmir (‘The need for nuance’,IE,July 14). This in-depth analysis can act as a guide for decision-makers. Central intervention in consonance with Omar Abdullah can lead a democratic alliance and a firm administrative will can produce visible results. The troubles can be used as an opportunity to send a strong signal to all stakeholders and in turn help India consolidate its position internationally.

— Padmesh Pune

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