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July 29, 2003 Witnessing the gruesome shots being splashed across the TV screens all over India was proving to be tough as the body count multiplied with each passing hour. It may have pricked the conscience of many a hypocrite as the ‘unity in diversity’ theory that is stressed upon at every given forum, received heavy pelting. A few made use of the opportunity and minted money. Some used it for political mileage. Some utilized the opportunity to finish off old enemies. Organized crime had a field day while the police on armed only with a bamboo cane hid in their offices as mobs of deranged sword wielding criminals rampaged through the prosperous town of Ahmedabad and the not so developed villages chopping of hands and legs, looting and raping. TV channels and most prominently the CNN tagged the attackers as ‘Hindu’s’. This is a flagrant travesty of justice, which seems to be most convenient for the Pakistani’s and their foster parents, the Americans. With the war on terror extending its tentacles even upto Philippines, the Americans are suddenly feeling the pinch. They must have realized that Islam has taken a battering due to the aggressive comments they were making through their megaphones while the war in Afghanistan was progressing at a brisk pace. Sadly the recent riots in Gujarat are being used for forwarding the interests of a few world leaders. The Ayodhya Issue as you may know is centered on a plot of land in the town of Ayodhya (In the state of Uttar Pradesh), which is believed by the Hindus to be the birthplace of Lord Ram (A Hindu God). Years back a Muslim ruler is said to have destroyed the temple that existed there initially and built a mosque in its place. But the Post- Independence scenario saw the emergence of political parties, which encouraged a debate on this strip of land between Hindu’s and Muslims who lived in the country like brothers. The disputed land soon became a thorn in the flesh of a peaceful and democratic country like India. Parties with an eye on the polls manipulated the people and brainwashed them. They turned the Hindus against the Muslims and vice versa. This anger, frustration and atmosphere of doubt did not help matters. A decade ago all the dejection and fury erupted in the form of the destruction of the ‘Babri Masjid’, the mosque that was built on the spot. Hindu fanatics fuelled by vile speeches from cunning politicians stabbed the hearts of millions of Indians and the resulting riot proved to be one of the worst massacres in the Post Independence history of India. Brother turned against brother, people behaved like cruel animals, but finally peace reigned. People sat and thought in the wake of the gruesome riots, “Why did we do this?” Unfortunately that though process met with a fatal end when a major Hindu organization decided to start building the temple on the disputed spot, even though the court, the government and the people in general are against such acts that will harm the interests of the country. In a country, which can exhibit, some of the best examples of religious tolerance and equality of all people a minor spark is enough to bring back deadly explosions, which can blast the ideological, social and political setup sky high. This is a major weakness that exists in every community residing in every street, every apartment. The rush of blood that prevents people from thinking properly, applying the power of discretion while analyzing bad propaganda. That is evident in the incidents, which has left Indians and the international community shocked in the past few days. A train carrying Hindus returning from a pilgrimage was doused with gas at a place called Godhra. More than 50 people were burned alive inside the flaming bogies. The perpetrators are undoubtedly anti social elements, which operated under the directions of the criminal’s hell bent on disrupting peace in India. Sadly they succeeded in their intention, the incident was staged to suggest that the Muslims were the ones responsible for the death of this many Hindus. The result was more grotesque than anything the human mind can conjure up. 434 people dead in a matter of days, mass destruction of property and what not. Though the media and the opposition were quick to spot the flaws of the law enforcement agencies and the state government, no one is interested in clearing up the fact that it was not for the major part a Hindu vs. Muslim battle. Eyewitness reports suggest that local crime rings and petty criminals who believe in the philosophy, ‘Make hay while the sun shines’, committed most heinous crimes. They looted, raped and carried out delayed assassination orders, while the average man fuelled by mutual slandering and harmful rumors fought against their own neighbors with stones, petrol bombs and whatever they could get their hands on. I have to admit the enemies of the state have succeeded. It may be true that the criminal elements had a great part in initiating this terrible tragedy but the communal feelings the people still harbor in their hearts is a great cause of concern. So much so that a bunch of lies can persuade them to harm heir own neighbors. The stories emerging from the middle are more horrible than they seem to be. But as usual there is no opportunity for open debate wherein this issue may be settled once and for all. India and Ireland has had its fair share of troubles with terrorism, but within the hearts of many Indians lurks a greater evil: the terror of communal hatred. The reason is very evident the factors that should be unifying all the citizens of the country (like art, traditions, literature) are conveniently forgotten and no activities or co-operation to ensure the bonding of various families in a community are taken up. That is why I suggest Indians have something to learn from the way Irish communities function in peaceful manner by raising above all narrow-minded considerations, because it is the most effective and logical step towards building a strong nation, where hatred is hated with the contempt it deserves. ------------ About the author: Born on 22 February 1983 in Trivandrum, Kerala, Nikesh Murali is a prize winning short story writer, reviewer, columnist, playwright and poet. His published works include: Collateral Damage (2001, No Spine), Thirteen(2002, No Spine), Songs of the Raven(2002, NoSpine), Midst of Bees(2002, Kingfisher), Fear(2002, Fairgo), Lovemaking(2003, Kingfisher), Autumn Love(2003, Rowe). His poetry has been translated into more than seven languages and won several international awards. He is the editor of several print and online publications. Email Nikesh Murali: nikesh_murali@rediffmail.com Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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