In an orchestrated manner, after writers, artists, filmmakers and scientists, over 50 historians came out strongly against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not making any reassuring statement following concerns over "highly vitiated atmosphere" prevailing in the country. It is a surprise, where these so called intellectuals were during the genocide of Sikhs in 1984 or when Karsevaks were burnt in Godhra or many killings of Hindus in many parts of the country and in the latest, when Hindus of a village in West Bengal are restricted from doing Durga puja.

A statement by 53 historians, including Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, KN Pannikar and Mridula Mukherjee said, "Differences of opinion are being sought to be settled by using physical violence. Arguments are met not with counter arguments, but with bullets." But was silent about that the killing of a Bajrang dal volunteer who was killed by cow meat mafia.

"When writer after writer is returning their award of recognition in protest, no comment is made about the conditions that caused the protest, instead the ministers call it a paper revolution and advise the writers to stop writing. This is as good as saying that intellectuals will be silenced if they protest," it said.

One thing is to be noted that these so called secularists have not returned the prize money or the huge amount spend on them for their TA and DA.

By Premji