While the Right to Information Act has empowered citizens, it has also put the lives of those who dare to use it in danger (‘Right gone wrong’, October 12). As India marks two decades of the RTI Act, she must confront a grim truth—more than 100 activists have been killed and meaningful protection for whistleblowers remains out of reach. The law must evolve beyond granting access to information. It must provide real safeguards for those who expose corruption.
If truth-seeking continues to be answered with violence, the RTI will remain a paper shield. Whistleblowers are not troublemakers—they are the lifeblood of democracy. It is time the state treated them as such.
K. Chidanand Kumar,
On email.
The RTI Act must become far more potent. It embodies a citizen’s fundamental right to truth. No government should ever have the audacity to weaken or restrict it. Yet, the current climate poses serious challenges to the spirit of transparency the RTI represents. Both the Centre and states must ensure that the right to information not only survives but also thrives.
Tapesh Nagpal,
On email.
Regressive caste system
Debates over caste-based reservations—who gets what and who is left out—must end once and for all. Why should leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal oppose Maratha reservation, and why did Marathas seek inclusion in the OBC quota? The very idea of caste-based reservation has outlived its purpose (‘Nothing but backdoor entry for Marathas’, October 12).
If affirmative action must continue, it should be rooted in economic need, not caste. The poor across all communities and castes deserve support until they can stand on their own.
Caste-based reservation is regressive; it divides rather than unites and holds the nation back. One can only wonder when we will finally free ourselves from this system.
Preethu K.,
On email.
Grant statehood to Ladakh
Ladakh should be granted statehood without further delay (‘Fire on the mountain’, October 12). The region does not face the same challenges as Jammu and Kashmir, particularly on the terrorism front.
While violence must never be condoned, important decisions should never be indefinitely postponed. Statehood for Jammu and Kashmir can wait until complete normalcy is restored, but Ladakh’s case is different and merits early statehood.
Vikram Kapur,
On email.
Ill-conceived public gathering
I was deeply shocked by the tragedy in Karur during TVK leader Vijay’s rally (‘Watchful and wary’, October 12). All stampedes that have happened in our country over the last 10-15 years are stark reminders of our poor crowd management and evacuation systems.
The loss of many innocent lives in what appears to be an ill-conceived public gathering in a poll-bound state calls for close scrutiny and a thoughtful, uniform application of crowd management guidelines. Only then can we hope to prevent the tragic recurrence of such mishaps.
Sachidananda Satpathy,
On email.
I was surprised to see a QR code linking Vijay’s video in your story. There was no need for THE WEEK to include it—we have already heard all that Vijay had to say. The onus lies squarely on him and his team which continue to ignore proper crowd management at his events.
It is foolish to equate the size of a crowd at a rally with political support; many attend simply to catch a glimpse of their favourite actor, not to endorse his politics.
The authorities, too, must enforce limits on crowd size at such gatherings. Public safety should never be politicised.
Govind Kumaran,
On email.
No stigma today
The perception of the RSS appears to be changing (‘Taking fresh guard’, October 12). People no longer hesitate to associate with it, and the stigma once attached to the organisation seems to be fading.
The RSS has evolved into a strong nationalist force—often stepping forward to help people in times of crisis and calamity, irrespective of religion and community. Members of the RSS have always made sacrifices for the nation.
Venu Bhaskaran,
On email.
There is nothing wrong with a Hindu national narrative; there should not be any shame in acknowledging it. After all, most of our forefathers were Hindus, irrespective of the religions their descendants follow today. Such a heritage should inspire a deeper respect and affection for Hinduism—a faith that gives abundantly and takes nothing from anyone. That, indeed, is the beauty of this unique religion.
V.B. Negi,
On email.
It is wrong to mainstream the RSS in this manner. Their agenda is misleading and does not align with the ideals of a secular nation. One does not have to be an RSS supporter to be patriotic.
Mayank Manuaj,
On email.
We punctured their arrogance
After India’s third consecutive victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, many former fans of cricket—those who had drifted away due to an overdose of the game—have suddenly rediscovered their passion for it (‘The new normal’, October 12).
The depth of cricketing talent in India is on an entirely different level. Pakistan is not in the same league, much like in many other spheres.
These three defeats have punctured the arrogance of Pakistan’s inept military generals, who cannot twist the narrative this time, as the matches were broadcast live.
Varun Grover,
On email.