Delhi has witnessed many battles in the past. It was mostly between invaders and local kings. This time it is different, it is between citizens, divided by communities, the minorities or seculars fighting for withdrawal of the Citizenship Amendment Act, the National Population Register, the National Register of Citizens and the Census. The protests, mainly by the Muslim community, apprehensive of a rumoured disenfranchisement of their right and citizenship have been sitting in ‘dharna’ in Delhi and few other parts of India, including Kolkata and has been going on for the last two months.
The Delhi elections came in the midst, during which no political party wanted to engage with the protesters and find a solution. Those who did, mostly from the opposition, only poured oil on the flames and made the situation worse.
Then came the much-touted visit of Donald Trump, the President of the United States, whose trip included Delhi, besides Gujarat. Any crisis during the presence of the US President, whose colleagues have earlier spoken out over threat to religious freedom and unease of the minorities would have made the issues attract the attention worldwide.
That may not have been the only purpose. The intention could be to embarrass Modi and his government, as the opposition has been unable to undermine his invincibility, despite electoral reverses in a few states, the last in Delhi itself. Trump eased out of controversies and flatly stated that there is no minority targeted actions by the Modi Government, adding that he firmly believed in Modi. The apparent disappointment of the protesters over America’s declination to indulge in CAA matter may have been the fuse-blown moment for many.
It may be foolhardy to believe that only the minorities indulge in brandishing pistols and guns, as many apprehended are from the majority as well. The police may have taken a partisan stand, turning a blind eye towards the non-minority cowboys. The continued riots expose the political bigotry and disengagement from meaningful discussions by the political opposition with the government.
Strangely Triple Talaq and Ram Mandir issues failed to enrage the minorities despite provocations from their leaders and as well from the other opposition parties. The pilots steering the CAA protests, soon changed course from their destruction of public properties, in particular busses and trains and resorted to peaceful ‘dharna.’ Women and children were the most participating, to evoke sympathy and to erase the militant minority image.
There are also print and electronic media, who vehemently despise Modi and his BJP party and do their best to inflame passions and keep the protests on for their petty gains.
The police have grossly failed in their duty, who should have been non-partisan and should have dealt with all trouble mongers with the same intent and speed cutting across communal lines.
Twenty lives are lost, and many may have indulged in peaceful protests. Their families would suffer for long. The family of the slain constable Ratan Lal too will suffer silently throughout their lives, as we would forget his name soon to engage in newer street fights.
Are there something called peace initiatives, fasting, peace-marches, candle lights, hugs and flowers etc. Why some political leaders don’t begin a fast-unto-death?
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
