Police highhandedness condemnable

The point that is most disquieting, and worrying too, is that such police assault on political rallies and demonstrations could not have taken place without the nod of the powers that be. And it is precisely here that the spectre of political oppression becomes large enough to leave a frustrating impression on people's minds. By all indications, they have decided to muffle any note of dissent instead of facing it in a democratic way by allowing the opposition their rightful space.

The overall political situation in the country demands a far more mature and discreet handling of opposition programmes. With the parliamentary elections only months away, it is imperative that the political situation is not muddled any more than what it is already now. Any suppressive attitude must be avoided to pave the way for holding the elections peacefully.

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If the government doesn't change its policy of bludgeoning the opposition, the barometer of political tension will further go up and no party will be benefited, least of all the party in power.

The government's wholesale denial of space to the opposition hasn't served the cause of democracy, as mistrust between the two major parties has only deepened with time. One would expect the ruling party to show greater political acumen through shunning the aggressive policy of bashing the opposition supporters on the streets.