Riot for Vote

Muzaffarnagar riots in Uttar Pradesh underline the dangerous politics of communal polarisation in the run- up to General Elections 2014

Victims of Politics

The recent riots in Muzaffarnagar are an example of the dangerous levels to which political parties can stoop to and indulge in divisive politics in order to secure vote banks (“Riot for Vote”, September 23). As the rioters ran amok, the administration was made to look the other way purportedly by their political masters. However, Samajwadi Party’s move in allowing the situation to spin out of control appears to have boomeranged, with the Muslim community justifiably angry with the party for not ensuring its safety. Meanwhile, the Akhilesh Yadav government, by rounding off some Opposition leaders for inciting the crowd, is again trying to project itself as the saviour of Muslims, but the enlightened voters of today can see through the ruse. VIJAI PANT, via email Akhilesh Yadav has been a big letdown. Being young and having been exposed to global culture, thanks to

The greatest threat to the nation’s integrity comes from politicians who resort to communal polarisation and fuel communal tensions just to be in power.

K. PATHAK,

Nagchala Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

his education abroad, voters had expected a lot from him. It was hoped that he will be representing the new generation of the young MPs like Sachin Pilot, Deepender Hooda, Priya Dutt and others. But he has been a failure. He has not brought about any major reforms in governance nor has he managed to improve the law and order situation in the state. He has also created communal disharmony by his inept handling of the riots in Muzaffarnagar. By suspending young IAS officer Durga Shakti, he showed his arrogance and played into the hands of the mafia. Akhilesh should either take charge or resign. R. D. SINGH, Ambala The Muzaffarnagar riots, that left many dead and scores injured, are not only shocking but a blot on democracy. The UP government is fully responsible for the flare- up as it did not act on time to control the orgy unleashed by frenzied mobs from both communities. The state government

is largely to be blamed for keeping silent and delaying action to stop the carnage which continued unprecedented and without let- up for days, instilling fear in both the communities. K. R. SRINIVASAN, Secunderabad

Return of Academics

The return of smart Indian professionals settled abroad— in the form of a slow reverse migration— is a healthy trend for the country (“Brain Gain”, September 23). Such brilliant people can fasten the pace of development in the country. The Government must frame a policy to facilitate their return and help them succeed in their mission. It must also see to it that academicians are compensated adequately and have the best of research facilities. VIRENDRA T., via email

Music and Harmony

Amid a blaze of publicity and tight security, the music concert of maestro Zubin Mehta was successfully conducted (“Legend by the Lake”, September 23). Although the threat of a parallel music concert by a civil rights activist in the vicinity along with the disapproval of separatist leader SAS Geelani attempted to take some of the sheen off from the event, the music concert was ultimately able to charm the audience and transport them to a world of harmony and beauty. But the real happiness of people in Kashmir can be ensured only when absolute peace is restored in the Valley. The Army and paramilitary forces should help the civilian administration in achieving this. KESHAV P., via email Zubin Mehta’s decision to go ahead with the music concert in Srinagar despite the threats of violence was praiseworthy. He deserves kudos for his intention of bringing peace to the Valley. He took the audiences by storm and won their hearts with his performance. Hats off to the living legend. V. K. TANGRI, Dehradun

Delivering Justice

Additional Sessions Judge Yogesh Khanna has done the right thing by sending the four gang- rapists to the gallows (“By Trial and Error”, September 23). His efforts are even more praiseworthy considering the fact that this has become a high- profile case and is being closely followed by the media and the people of the country. But justice would be truly done only if the verdict is upheld by the higher courts and the President. More importantly, this needs to be expeditiously settled at every stage of appeal. The entire world would be watching the pace of the wheels of our judicial system. ANJUM M. SAMEL, Mumbai