It is not possible to root out terror and restore peace and harmony without
ensuring justice. We cannot condemn all or some members of a community for
terror when the state, the executive, media and society at large are silent in
the face of sheer and brazen brutality continuing against minorities for months
just because those who perpetrate it claim immunity because they are from the
majority community. Is a crime different if the one who commits it is a
muslim, and different if those who terrorize are hindus? Is forcible conversion
to hinduism alright but conversion to christianity or any other religion a
crime? How many times have people demanded that the liberal muslim speak up and
be heard? Why are those strident voices silent now? Are there no liberal hindus
in the country? Or is it just that it is easier and safer to bully minorities,
telling them they must go down on bended knees, but quite another matter to
take on the fascist thugs of the sangh parivar? We have to find the courage to
take them on before it is too late to secure peace and harmony in the country.
