Alarming text messages, doctored videos, sensational posts on social media, and of course, the good old word of mouth whipped up enough hysteria for chinkis from various states to flee whichever south Indian cities they were in, to go back to the safety of their homes. The government has now blamed elements in Pakistan for the mischief and what is being labeled "hate terror". Maybe the Pakis have a role to play in this conspiracy that I find particularly sinister, maybe they don't. Either way, I don't care.
Whoever planned this, however, must be an intelligent person with his (his sense of deviousness rivals that of a woman) finger squarely on the pulse of modern humanity. Send someone a fucked up text, it will reach 100 others. Minimum expense, even less effort and spectacular results that take on a life entirely their own. This whole business is based almost entirely on fiction, with not a single factual element to substantiate it. He must be orgasming constantly at the mere thought of this mobile & Internet age.
Junta has been obsessing about showing solidarity with the fleeing chinkis and leaders from the Muslim community, allegedly responsible for the threats, have been making regular appeals for peace and for the chinkis to return. All very commendable and back-slap worthy. But what about the actual effects of these people leaving?
My Manipuri friend has not left town, but he hasn't been going to work either. He is enjoying a 5-day weekend, helped by the two days he took off between Independence Day and the weekend. Because of the risk his life faced had he stepped out of his house, living as he does in a neighbourhood dominated by Muslims.
Security agencies in town are having a tough time. My own building complex has depleted security staff, prompting the managing committee to issue a notice seeking resident volunteers who will patrol the complex late at night and early mornings. Great way to teach the youngsters about vigilante behaviour. And what happens if there aren't enough volunteers? Should I feel unsafe too? And all because the chinkis, feeling unsafe, have left? Should I also leave town then? But where do I go? For me, this is where home is.
Whoever planned this, however, must be an intelligent person with his (his sense of deviousness rivals that of a woman) finger squarely on the pulse of modern humanity. Send someone a fucked up text, it will reach 100 others. Minimum expense, even less effort and spectacular results that take on a life entirely their own. This whole business is based almost entirely on fiction, with not a single factual element to substantiate it. He must be orgasming constantly at the mere thought of this mobile & Internet age.
Junta has been obsessing about showing solidarity with the fleeing chinkis and leaders from the Muslim community, allegedly responsible for the threats, have been making regular appeals for peace and for the chinkis to return. All very commendable and back-slap worthy. But what about the actual effects of these people leaving?
My Manipuri friend has not left town, but he hasn't been going to work either. He is enjoying a 5-day weekend, helped by the two days he took off between Independence Day and the weekend. Because of the risk his life faced had he stepped out of his house, living as he does in a neighbourhood dominated by Muslims.
Security agencies in town are having a tough time. My own building complex has depleted security staff, prompting the managing committee to issue a notice seeking resident volunteers who will patrol the complex late at night and early mornings. Great way to teach the youngsters about vigilante behaviour. And what happens if there aren't enough volunteers? Should I feel unsafe too? And all because the chinkis, feeling unsafe, have left? Should I also leave town then? But where do I go? For me, this is where home is.
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