Attack on free speech

We wonder what type of political environment we are living in, where the student wing of a political party, more so one that is part of an alliance that is in charge of running the country, issues death threats to teachers for having ventilated their individual views. And nobody in the ruling alliance, let alone the Jamaat-e-Islami, have so much as protested, not to speak of taking cognizance of the death threat, which itself constitutes an offence under the law of the land.

Are we to understand that the Jamaat-e-Islami, by their silence on the issue, condones the matter? Are they in accord with the line taken by their student wing, which perhaps they themselves would like to take, but have been prevented only by consideration of political propriety? Are we to believe that their underlings are doing all these at their biddings?

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One may not agree with what has been said. But disagreements cannot manifest itself in the form of threats to the life of a person one disagrees with. Views should be countered with plausible arguments and let the people be the judge of which to accept. At least that is the civilised norm of human interaction. Nobody or group can take it upon himself or itself the right to determine what others can or cannot say.

We want the Jamaat to come out against the Chhatra Shibir for the utterances, punish the errant leaders and make clear to the country that they are against what has been said by disassociating themselves with the death threats. Otherwise, their silence will further reinforce the common perception of their role in this matter.

We also ask whether the government can do without taking cognisance of death threats made openly that is liable for action under the law of the land?