Indian politics touched a new low when a group of parliamentarians belonging to the radical Hindu outfit, Shiv Sena, forced a Muslim to break his Ramadan fast.

As reports appear, the lawmakers unhappy with the food on offer insisted that this catering supervisor try it out himself and force-fed him. “Uproar in Parliament after Indian MP force-feeds a fasting Muslim.” (July 24)

The man was serving as an Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation employee at the Maharashtra Sadan in Delhi.

Unfortunately the whole subcontinent including India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, as also Myanmar, is becoming increasingly impatient and impulsive, with least respect for its minorities. What’s worse is the indifference with which the political establishments in these countries deal with such situations. They simply fail to stem the tide leading the society to a state of perpetual chaos and anarchy.

The rise of the Hindutva groups on the Indian political sphere, which has gradually taken a center stage, in this respect is a matter of grave concern and consideration.

However it’s as futile to ask the central government to take cognizance of the matter as to approach US and UN to seek their mediation in the ongoing anti-Palestinians war in Gaza.

It’s a horizon of paradox where lawmakers are hand in glove with the lawbreakers; where proponents of a civilized society have their eyes shut to what’s happening to a section of the society; and where the keepers of justice sit in Parliament with the perpetrators of a crime.

These are but signs of the decaying of a society, which if not checked will weaken the foundation of the very society on which the whole structure of a nation hinges upon.

A. U. Asif

New Delhi