Former PM Manmohan Singh deplores 'blatant violation' of right to freedom of thought

NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made a strong intervention in the discourse against ‘growing intolerance’ by asserting “suppression of dissent and free speech posed grave danger to economic development” and that “there can be no free market without freedom.” He also warned that that social conflict can scare away investment. “The unimpeded flow and exchange of ideas is essential to build economic prosperity. As has been said by a wise person long ago, “there is no progress without Opposition”. The prerequisite for innovation, entrepreneurship and competition is an open sociality and liberal polity where individuals are free to pursue ideas.

Suppression of dissent or free speech poses a grave danger for economic development. There can be no free market without freedom,” Singh said while inaugurating a conference of historians and intellectuals organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies on Friday, to mark Jawaharlal’s Nehru’s 125th birth anniversary celebrations. Singh also warned about how social unrest could hit the investment potential of the country. “Peace is essential not only for human existence and survival but also for economic and intellectual growth. Capital is likely to be frightened away by conflict,” he said. Singh then launched a frontal attack on the recent attacks on intellectuals by right-wing organisations.

“The nation is deeply concerned at the recent tragic instances of blatant violations of the right to freedom of thought belief, speech, and expression in our country by some violent extremists groups. The assault or murder of thinkers for no more than disagreement with their views, or because of the food they eat, or their caste, can’t be justified on any ground.”