The Prime Minister found time to respond to an abusive social media post by a teenager, yet his prolonged silence on the violence, deaths, displacement, and suffering in Manipur has been equally striking. A democracy is judged not by its response to criticism but by its willingness to address the hardships faced by its citizens. I also oppose the reported use of pellet guns against protesters in Delhi. However, the same concern should extend to their earlier use in Kashmir, where many young people suffered serious injuries. Human rights and justice cannot depend on geography or political convenience. Similarly, the abrogation of Article 370 remains deeply contested. Many citizens believe it weakened constitutional federalism, while others support it. Such issues deserve continued democratic debate rather than silence. The judiciary, too, carries the responsibility of safeguarding constitutional values and maintaining public confidence through its decisions. When even school students invoke accountability and dialogue as democratic ideals, those in authority should reflect on the message. Democracies grow stronger by engaging with criticism, not by dismissing it.
VINAY DWIVEDI, Benaulim
