"People are scared and scarred in India": 75 eminent personalities pen letter to Karnataka CM over hate crimes in state

Expressing concern over the targeted attacks against minorities in Karnataka, seventy-five prominent personalities in the state have written an open letter to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, saying that such incidents have tarnished the secular image of the state.

As per a News Minutes report, the personalities which include, writers, filmmakers and retired civil servants have urged for proactive action by the government to send a clear message to the Instigators and perpetrators of violence.

The signatories noted that they have issued an open letter to bring their concerns to his attention as they were unable to secure an appointment with the Chief Minister.

The letter also reminded Bommai that the state that Kuvempu, revered as Rashtra Kavi in Karnataka, had described as "Sarva janangada shantiya thota (a garden of peace for diverse communities)" was now known for hate and violence against minority communities.

The signatories include personalities from different walks of life such as retired IFS officer Yellappa Reddy, former Karnataka Advocate General Ravivarma Kumar, historian Ramachandra Guha, author Shashi Deshpande, and others.

The letter added that the recent spate of attacks of various kinds aimed at Muslim, Christian, and Dalit communities has shocked and upset those who pride themselves on Karnataka's receptive and inclusive nature.

The signatories regretted that even "people in responsible positions" were demonising minorities.

The letter says that it is "alarming and distressing" that people in power are "openly violating the oath of upholding the spirit of the Constitution of India by validating, supporting, and even promoting intimidation, vigilantism, violence, forcefully taking over properties, and socially and economically boycotting the minorities, rendering them as second-class citizens."

The letter noted that the current divisive actions to alienate particular communities will hurt the state's reputation and development by decreasing the confidence of entrepreneurs and investors and will raise fear among all citizens.

"It is not possible to 'Make in India' in a climate where people are 'Scared in India' and even 'Scarred in India'," the letter noted.

The letter urged the Chief Minister to take action to restore peace and well-being in Karnataka. The signatories have recommended that the state government take measures like directing the state police force to perform its constitutional duty by safeguarding the vulnerable citizens, providing victims of communal or casteist hate crimes full access to justice, and taking strong action against hate speech.

The letter asked the police to take a stand against the false information spread about the minorities "which can make them subject to discrimination and violence". The letter has also called upon sections of the media to stop openly promoting intolerance, hatred, and fake news.

The signatories remarked that these proactive steps by the Government of Karnataka will ensure that a clear message is sent to those instigating and indulging in violence.