The recent exodus of people from the north-east, back to their home states, from various parts of the country has shone a not so flattering light on our status as a free, secular republic. The fact that this happened right after the 65th Independence Day makes it all the more shameful. This blog has repeatedly lamented the lack of governance in this country, and the level of fear psychosis being generated amongst the North-eastern community in Bangalore and other parts of the country yet again highlights the absolute absence of any framework or structure resembling a government.
In the absence of an effective government people in this country have a free run, left to do as they please, not exactly the idea of independence our freedom fighters had. From the initial violence in Assam, to mindless rioting in Bombay to the exodus down south. The police and other law enforcing agencies have left us at the mercy of mischief mongers. Anybody with the minutest nuisance value and political clout can butcher and rape people, threaten an entire community in any city , burn buses and attack civilians and generally make merry, like they are fucking Genghis Khan! And what does the Indian Government do? It blames Pakistan! How bloody unpredictable! Is there anything this government will not pin on our western neighbor?
As per one govt estimate 40% of the SMSs doing the rounds are from Pakistan (source: NDTV). Really now? 40%? Now how did we exactly arrive at that number, pray do tell which government agency has been keeping a track of all the SMSs being sent out and received in India, with their source of origin and other necessary information. Did these messages come with a subject line lucid enough for our intelligence agencies to distinguish threatening messages from the regular santa-banta jokes -
"Please drive out Assamese non-muslim people from your respective states, regards, (blank) Mujaheddin.
Note: Write name of an Indian state in the space provided"
Even if this bullshit number were to be true, 60% of SMSs are still not from Pakistan. Unless the govt plans to apportion some of those amongst some other countries, I'd say the problem lies within. And there are many issues of concern that need to be looked at immediately, instead of accusing 'outside forces' for our very inherent indigenous flaws!
The fact that we as a country we still cannot guarantee the right to work or live anywhere in the country is the most appalling reminder of how little we have progressed. We continue to treat people migrating from other states as outsiders, why then blame Pakistan when we have created outsiders of our own people? The government has not managed to guarantee basic human rights, even those enshrined in the constitution. The administration continues to fail the people in every aspect of its role and duties.
We are supposed to have an effective police, an established intelligence network, if not actual cerebral prowess then at least the infrastructure to deal with such situations. Our ineptness in all security matters is complete. How do we expect to defend ourselves from Pakistan or any other 'external forces' when we cannot safeguard lives within our own borders. When we perpetuate a system where the netas hog a majority of the security forces, we deny ourselves the capability to do much else.
To add to the whole tamasha, a lout like Raj Thackrey decides to undertake a rally, adding fuel to fire. If nothing else, why does not the government grow a pair and arrest people like him? Adding to the confusion and the overall uncertain atmosphere prevailing in the affected states, the government is denying the people a chance at reconciliation and resettlement.
After 65 years of independence from the Brits we are still fighting to survive in this country, fighting to eke out an honorable living, a peaceful one, without the threat of violence, without the threat of having to leave every possession and run. Is it too much to ask? I know its not in the constitution (and it should be) but the right to live honorably is the single most important right. That is the differentiating factor between us and whatever microbe NASA will 'unmars' in its latest mission
