Body matters
Sir — Ignoring constant jibes and snarky remarks regarding one’s body is difficult. In fact, insecurities about one’s looks can lead to serious mental health conditions. Hearteningly, a group of British women has formed a community, Every Body Outdoors, to campaign for the representation of larger bodies. Plus-size people can face a lot of barriers while engaging in outdoor activities, including finding the right gear and clothing. Ironically, although most clothing brands neglect large people while making gym apparel, plus-size people bear the brunt of well-meaning suggestions to ‘hit the gym’.
Bidisha Paul, Calcutta
Brute strength
Sir — The Supreme Court has found retributory demolitions of houses and business establishments of any accused, suspects or convicts illegal. ‘Bulldozer justice’ is against law and targets minorities (“Suspect or convict, no bulldozer justice: SC”, Sept 3). The criticisms by the apex court are a damning indictment of the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, and his ilk.
The razing of buildings as a form of instant punishment is undemocratic and primitive. The law must be allowed to take its course as two wrongs do not make a right. The bulldozer has become a symbol of violent governmental power in the public imagination. The victims of this barbaric ‘justice’ must be compensated.
G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
Sir — It is surprising that it took the Supreme Court this long to take notice and criticise ‘bulldozer justice’, a practice common in several Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states. Most of the houses and shops that were demolished belonged to people from minority communities, especially Muslims.
‘Bulldozer raj’ has a clear political motive. As a representative of a party that is in an alliance at the Centre, Yogi Adityanath’s blatant partisanship and muscle-flexing are condemnable. His bias also makes him an untrustworthy chief minister.
Tharcius S. Fernando, Chennai
Sir — Yogi Adityanath tends to fuel public anger and takes the law into his own hands with little regard for the judiciary. Despite being an elected leader, he utilises the
mob for his brand of militant justice. The Supreme Court bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Vishwanathan said that even a convict’s house or shop cannot be demolished.
Convicted terrorists like Ajmal Kasab were not killed by law enforcement agencies or the government but were tried before a court and punished legally.
Jang Bahadur Singh, Jamshedpur
Resume duties
Sir — At least seven people died due to the lack of proper treatment at government hospitals recently on account of the cease-work by the junior doctors (“Cease-work by docs takes a toll”, Sept 1). Moreover, around 5,000 elective surgeries had to be cancelled. Many patients, after being refused treatment at government hospitals, had to proceed* to private nursing homes. While doctors have arranged for telemedicine clinics, these are not sufficient to address the patients’ concerns.
Samaresh Khan, West Midnapore
Sir — The cease-work by the junior doctors for an indefinite period has sent patients scrambling from one hospital to another (“From one hospital to another, in search of treatment”, Sept 2). Most of these patients come from underprivileged backgrounds. In spite of appeals from the Supreme Court and the chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, the doctors are refusing to cooperate. The doctors must now resume their services before the situation worsens.
D. Bhattacharya, Calcutta
Intolerant stance
Sir — The chief minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, is known for his blatantly Islamophobia (“Venomous”, Aug 30). He had introduced legislation against the Muslim marriage laws in the state and banned namaz breaks on Fridays for Muslim members of Parliament and staff. Without conducting a census, Sarma has said that 41% of the Assamese population comprises Muslims, including Bengali Muslims, pejoratively called ‘Miya Muslims’. He is yet to comment negatively on Assamese Muslims as they comprise a significant voter base. Bengali Muslims in Assam form the backbone of the local economy. They are predominantly employed as farmers, labourers, house helps and vendors. Their migration would cause tremendous inconvenience to people and Sarma’s plan might cost the Bharatiya Janata Party government its popularity in the state.
A.K. Chakraborty, Guwahati
Sir — The remarks made by Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the Bengali-speaking Muslim community in Assam are regressive. Article 19 of the Indian Constitution allows all Indians to move, reside and take up jobs throughout the territory of India. Sarma’s comments can aggravate ethno-religious tension in the state and foment hatred. A more tolerant stance is expected from the head of a state government.
Prasun Kumar Dutta, West Midnapore
