Throwing ink at others not the way to make a point

A recent discussion revolving around environment and pollution with a principal scientific officer Dr. Amar Supate turned ugly after ink was flung at him, a report said in this paper.

The Sion police have now arrested corporators along with seven others for throwing ink on the principal scientific officer of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board. As the conversation between both parties escalated, ink was thrown on the officer. We need to stop with the throwing ink and polish on persons in an argument or situation.

Recently, MLA Nitesh Rane and his supporters were in the news after they poured mud on a BMC engineer. Rane had claimed it was in service of the people.

In so many other instances, we have seen people's representatives throwing ink at people. At times, it has been boot polish where a person's face is smeared with it. Whatever side of the political spectrum you are on, and whatever your side in a debate or discussion, this is not the way to make a point. Instead, it is a cheap, immature and sensationalist attempt to garner attention and eyeballs.

While police action is necessary, it is also important that this act is condemned so that those who indulge in this realise that this is neither heroic, or funny or efficacious in achieving its end.

For years now, we have reports about officials and authorities at the receiving end of ink, egg yolk, black paint, boot polish or whatever. It has become part of our system, and whoever is carrying these substances has done so by design, prepared to throw it on the victim.

Bring the curtains down on this vile immaturity and even all those who fight for justice should do so with dignity and through the correct channels.

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