These are Dangerous Times……..

Right now, in the heart of our proud motherland, we have seven Naxal-affected states, disturbances in all seven north-eastern states, and of course the ever present strife in Kashmir. Violent images from Kashmir filled television sets even a few weeks back. Hence 15 of India’s 28 states are afflicted by violent internal conflicts. Add to that religious/caste/regionalism-based violence and honour killings instigated by the archaic Khap Panchayats. At a time when India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, we have a stable government at the helm, and we see more affluence around us than any other time, these conflicts which are tearing us apart from within, are certainly unwarranted.

Reasons for such conflicts are manifold however. Despite liberalisation of our economy, its benefits are not reaching a major chunk of the Indian population,which is the rural poor. These poor fellows are the worst affected – inflation kills their savings and purchasing power, their lands get grabbed by corporates, and their politicians whom they imposed their faith on, starts favouring the rich guys. These unfortunate victims do not get a voice as even the media ignore them. Every now and then, especially before elections, a politician comes and tosses cheap rice or wheat at them, and keeps them on drip-feed. Our rural poor never see the benefits of liberalisation.

To add to their woes, poor education, archaic caste-based social discrimination and a general lack of job opportunities lead to pent-up frustrations that urban people like us can never understand. The leaders of these movements apparently do, and that’s why a youth with his whole life ahead of him takes up guns against the state and becomes a rebel. It is irrelevant to discuss whether the CRPF is technically adept at fighting the Naxals or not.

The important aspect that we have to ponder upon is that unless the rural Indian youth sees a better life coming, the infection (perpetual violence instigated by the extremist groups, thereby victimising the urban population) is only going to grow. From 15 states we would have all 28 states infected one fine day. Trouble is brewing very quickly friends. Beware!