Whether there exists an atmosphere of fear in the country in the wake of instances of mob lynching and attempts to silence voices of dissent was debated by people from different walks of life at a seminar here on Thursday.
As P.K. Kunhalikkutty and P.V. Abdul Wahab, Indian Union Muslim League MPs, argued that there was indeed a sense of insecurity among the people, especially the minorities, P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, former State president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, retorted saying it was the attempts to create fear among a section of society that was a cause for concern. M.G.S. Narayanan, historian, expressed apprehension about the lack of a political alternative in the country, and Sebastian Paul, media critic and former MP, blamed the political class for creating what he called an “intolerant attitude” in society.
The seminar titled ‘Puthiya Indiayude Pazhaya Varthamanam’ (New India’s old discourse) was organised by the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre.
Mr. Kunhalikkutty pointed out that the efforts to suppress voices of dissent had the tacit support of the ruling establishment in the country, some thing unheard of in recent times. Those who criticise the ruling forces were getting killed. He said that everyone should have the freedom to express their views and there should be healthy debates.
Mr. Wahab said the situation was so bad that even people like former Vice-President Hamid Ansari had to express his sense of insecurity.
“If that is the view of eminent citizens like Mr. Ansari, we can imagine the plight of the common people,” he said.
Mr. Narayanan, who blamed the decline of the Congress for the rise of Hindutva forces in the country, said that Rahul Gandhi was yet to prove his mettle as a credible political leader. “The Hindutva ideology is dangerous in nature. I am concerned about the fate of the future generations,” he said.
Mr. Sebastian Paul said that intolerant attitude was not confined to the Sangh Parivar. There had always been attempts to muzzle dissenting voices and Gauri Lankesh was the latest in the list.
Mr. Sreedharan Pillai said that the deliberate attempts to create fear among a section of society would not be of any help.
“There should be a sense of mutual understanding and friendship among people. Only that will provide a lasting solution to the problems,” he said.