(I)
Dear Editor,
This refers to your thought-provoking editorial “Intimidation of free thinkers continues” (Sept 12). It is indeed worrying to see that the attacks on Journalists seems to be increasing both in frequency and brutality. Gauri has been known for her strident stands against communalism in Karnataka and was a fearless and independent journalist who gave voice to many causes and always stood up for justice. The high percentage of journalists losing their lives while covering politics and corruption, reflects poorly on the law & order situation. Her brutal murder is painful and it is a loss for the society at large. She was a sane and firm voice against the social evils of all kinds. She was one of those who was not afraid to speak her mind on any issue which she felt was important and she had to pay with her precious life to protect dissent and democracy. Women journalists, in particular, are frequently threatened with rape and acid attacks. Gauri Lankesh has sent shock waves through the media, with many slamming an attempt to silence voices of dissent. Unless the nation wakes up together to reform and strengthen our institutions, like the police and judiciary, such attacks will continue and our basic fundamental right to state protection will remain unfulfilled. Don’t we think the killing of the Senior Journalist like Gauri is an act of cowardice and highly condemnable. In a democracy with free press is it not the right way to suppress criticism by physically exterminating the person. We need to address the problem of impunity in journalist murders to ensure that the press can work freely. To kill a journalist in this manner has dangerous presages for Indian democracy. Such attacks on the freedom of press should not be tolerated.
Yours,
Vinod C. Dixit,
Ahmedabad
(II)
Dear Editor,
This refers to your editorial, “Intimidation of free thinkers continues” (September 12, 2017). It appears that the delay in criminal justice delivery system has emboldened criminals to such an extent that they now dare to kill a student in his own school during school hours in Haryana and a well known lady journalist and editor at the very entrance of her home in Karnataka. Interestingly, those two states – one in North India and the other in the South have two different ruling parties but what is common is definitely the audacity of the criminals to do the killings in the most safer places of the victims. So, quick justice delivery system is a must if we are to stop criminals from making even our homes and schools of our children unsafe.
Yours,
Sujit De,
Kolkata