Pioneer letter: "hindus support freedom for all" by arvind kumar

jun 26th, 2011 CE

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Arvind Kumar

http://epaper.dailypioneer.com/PUBLICATIONS/THEPIONEER/PIONEER/2011/06/26/ArticleHtmls/Hindus-support-freedom-for-all-T-his-refers-26062011124020.shtml?Mode=0

Hindus support freedom for all 

This refers to the article, “Sterile debate over free speech“ (Coffee Break, June 19) by Kanchan Gupta. While the writer makes several valid points in his article on the freedom of expression, he also says that two wrongs don't make a right. It should be noted that any retaliatory action against those who infringe on the freedoms of Hindus cannot be considered wrong because Hindus have always supported absolute freedom for everyone. If Hindus hit back, it would be akin to grabbing the weapon of the assaulter and using it against the assaulter. In this particular case, the weapon happens to be the Indian state which treats Hindus as second-class citizens.

In an attempt to correct the situation, Hindus have already exhausted all other methods that form part of a civilized discourse. They have approached the executive branch, the judiciary, the legislature, and framed their ideas in debates. The other side is unwilling to listen and believes that it is entitled to special privileges under Indian law. In addition, it has also enlisted the media and academia in the West which believes that freedom of expression and a law similar to the “Equal Protection Clause“ in the American Constitution does not apply to Hindus.

When the Indian Government is insincere and the only way of calling attention to the egregious acts of the Government is to do unto others what the Indian Government does to the Hindus, it is the second `wrong' that will catalyse the removal of the first wrong.

Even this debate exists thanks to the very people who face criticism today. They were vigilant enough to discover the double standards of the Government and highlight them. Otherwise, the plight of Hindus would have been even worse.

Arvind Kumar