I write this, After two nights of what seems to be another chapter in our never-ending story of being weathered by terrorism. Much has been said about the war on Terror, and frankly, it seems like our bravado ends with words. Every time our country faces another round of sodomy at the hands of these cowards, cowards who don't fight with their chests held high, and flags posted, everytime we have the same sense of rage, of disgust. The citizens yell at the politicians asking them why we are not safe. Celebrity speakers like Ms. De, talk in horrendously contradicting words on why they are upset. Politicians, most of them, maintain a couple of days of Diplomacy before settling into their usual duties. The right-wingers harp an anti-Pakistan rhetoric. The Prime Minister assures, with no words spared, how they will retaliate. Half the country muddles up who they're angry with. Add to the equation opportunist "leaders" and we're heading towards nothing less than a full scale civil war. Some would say there's already one on now.
That we have to do something about the situation, is so much the truth, that anyone who says it out aloud now should perhaps be treated with the same disdain as people saying anything redundant. Yes Of course something has to be done. But what? How?
On paper, a year or two, under a military rule will set things right. With respect to internal security atleast. Obviously, everything that is happening is because of our democratic structure. Freedom of speech. But of course, with Military rule will come economic slowdown. Men will be sodomized, women raped. How do we value if one is better than the other?
So we're falling back on Democracy to be the saviour. To restore our trust in humanity. Humanity. It feels so strange to use the word. While our foremost concern and efforts will need to go into making our Government work for us, our own hearts and minds need to take care, of humanity. Again, to call for being secular and tolerant is stupid. We are far beyond that point. Secularism means nothing when society is prejudiced not by religions, and faiths, but by appearances and actions. I appeal to every Indian, to continue to be loving in these troubled times. Put yourself in the shoes of the individual victims, and their loved ones. Would you really be happier if someone came and preached to you about how terrible one community or country is? My guess would be that all you would want is a hug, and your hand held.
I have randomly gone through some articles in the foreign press. From the New York Times, to The Telegraph. Honestly, it disgusts me. Every statement that has been issued from the Indian government and officials, has been suffixed or prefixed with "claim" "trying to blame". Make no mistake, our country is alone. In a harsh world of opportunistic capitalists, it's every colour for itself. And well, we're a colour minority. This calls for decision the subcontinent has to make. It is true, that so far, the state of Pakistan has actively supported this blasphemy. A major decision lies with them. If they continue this as a national policy, Millions of innocent Pakistans, will perish to the rage of people harrassed. Next the onus lies with every politician and citizen of India. This is not a battle that can be fought, as Hindus, Muslims, Christians, or even as Indians. This is an "attack on humanity" and to preserve that we must unite, under a single motive of trust and love. If we let ourselves be manipulated with words of "them" and "us", there will be no end to carnage. Terrorists will continue to find funding in stupid governments and unions, victims will continue to find no obvious answers to their trauma.
For India, For humanity, spread the love.
Condoling the victims of Insanity, 26/11/2008
