“In the long run”

I was surprised to read "In the long run” (Editorial viewpoint, Parsiana, April 21, 2009) where there is mention of an incident involving Mithoo Jesia during the recent Bombay Parsi Punchayet election. You write: "The rudeness shown to Dadar social worker Mithoo Jesia by over-enthusiastic (Armaity) Tirandaz volunteers at the Dadar Gymkhana when she objected to one of them standing in front of her at a section of the polling venue, highlighted a general disregard for people who over the years have given of their time, money and effort to work for the community.” I would like to place on record the complete facts about the incident.

Much before Jesia arrived a number of Tirandaz volunteers were seated to the left of the entrance. Showing no consideration for them, Maneck Engineer’s volunteers came and stood in front of them, though there was ample space on the right. This took place in full view of Engineer who was standing there. In order to avoid any argument, no one objected. Since there was not enough space on the left side, other Tirandaz volunteers, including myself, moved to the right side where no one was seated or standing.

More than an hour later a volunteer of Engineer and Jesia asked us to move so that they could sit. I quietly informed them that we did not object when Engineer’s volunteers stood in front of Tirandaz’s volunteers, though it was unethical behavior. I further indicated that when we moved to the right nobody was seated or standing there. The person accompanying Jesia informed me that they would remove Engineer’s volunteers who were standing in front of Tirandaz’s volunteers. I was taken aback and enquired whether it was ethical to do so now, just because they wished to sit there. On hearing this, Jesia stood up and started screaming accusations, shocking us by her behavior.

Can putting one’s legitimate point across be called "rudeness” or "verbal abuse?” Or do you wish to say that people who have done a lot for the community have the right to ask anyone to do anything they choose, whether it is ethical or not, and the other person should not say anything but quietly follow instructions?

ADIL VANIA