Public support

Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa's remarks on pubs amount to moral policing, say My NEWS readers

Public support

Karnataka CM B S Yeddyurappa's remarks on pubs amount to moral policing, say My NEWS readers

Members of the Sri Ram Sena that vandalised a pub in Mangalore and assaulted women have received brickbats from all sections of society. However, the other drawback to have come out from this act is that leaders have come up with their own code of conduct for women and a version of the Indian culture. According to many, the pub and mall culture is having a bad influence on women.

u00a0These self-styled defenders of morality have every right to air their views because India is a democratic country, but is this an apt time for a debate on culture? Their statements are construed as a defence against hooliganism and are diverting attention from the main subject.

The issue here is not what a woman is allowed or should do, the issue is whether a mob can take law in their hands and assault defenceless young girls in the most disgraceful manner. If every bunch of rowdies is given the power to act like a moral police, India can bid goodbye to the law of the land.u00a0
u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
Anil Bagarka
Andheri

Social terrorism

What happened at a pub in Mangalore is an apotheosis of cultural vandalism. It's social terrorism.

"All acts of violence emerge out of some lurking sense of insecurity," wrote French anthropologist Claude Levis Strauss. The violent acts at Mangalore perpetrated by the activists of fringe Hindu outfits are in fact, an attempt to defend and defy their own faith, which they erroneously perceive to be endangered.

The war cry of 'Islam is in danger' instigated so many youths to resort to jihad. The same is happening among Hindus as well.

These self-styled Hinduvadi elements are thinking that it's incumbent upon them to defend their 'culture', even if it meansu00a0 taking recourse to hooliganism.

Sumit Paul
Pune

India, a democracy

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yedyurappa and Sri Ram Sena chief Pramod Muthalik have said that they will not allow pub culture to grow in the state. But have they forgotten that India is a democracy and that they do not have the power to ban pubs in the state?

The police should take action against people who make baseless and misleading remarks. The Centre should make it clear that no minister has the power to amend rules. Timely measures should be taken to protect our democracy.u00a0u00a0u00a0
u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
Chandrakant Kotian
Vikhroli

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels