Assam: A Cry Amidst the Violence

July 29, 2012

“Where will we go? What is the future of my kids? What shall I do?” a woman from the Assam relief camp broke into tears, having been severely affected by the violence all around. Footages on national television channels showed the victims crying their hearts out.

India is often known to the world community for its TOLERANCE. At this point I remember a group of thinkers, who questioned long before and the question still holds - When was India really tolerant? Was it tolerant during the anti Sikh riots or is it tolerant when the Dalits who suffer discrimination everyday? Was it tolerant when thousands of people were massacred and women raped in Godhra carnage or is it tolerant now as the death toll of victims of Assam riots is rising every day? Is India really tolerant?

It’s indeed saddening to see Kokrajhar, Chirag and Dhuri districts of Assam burning. Having more than 2,00,000 people in the relief camps, which do not even have proper basic facilities, is nothing but a serious humanitarian crisis and a concern. It was unfortunate, as we were watching the houses burning in the violence struck areas and at the same time the chief minister of the state, Mr Gagoi asking, 'Where is Assam burning? It’s only a few villages.’-an immature statement a chief minister could make . I wonder whether it’s a time when political parties are trying to make their most for themselves, as Bodos are a stronghold in the land. Is this a politically orchestrated drama? If not why was all the delay in taking the necessary precautionary measures in time?

India, is known for its cultural diversity, religious plurality and above all for its tolerece. In my opinion the cry of that helpless woman raises several questions on the tolerance of us Indians. My question is that, When will they go home? Will they ever go home? Even if they go home, will they ever be at home in their homes?

Those were not ordinary tears, for the cry was -

1) Cry for survival: One of the basic questions these victims are asking today is 'How will we survive?' It’s not going to be easy for these victims to go back to their homes, as most of their houses are burnt and nothing much is left behind to hope for? Or is it going to be another case of ‘survival of the powerful? Even if they survive, will they ever be able to live?

2) Cry for dignity: Every human deserves dignity and its heartbreaking to see , these victims are merely reduced to objects of violence. The sources say, that even the army, in action isn’t really bothered about the conditions of the victims. The eye witnesses say that, when some of the victims asked for help, the army personnel coolly replied that they’ve got to go.It’s not merely an attack on two communities but it’s an violent act on the simple lives. People of Assam,specially the will definitely need lot more time to recover from the trauma.

3) Cry for meaning: Possibly many of these victims are asking today, “ Do we deserve this?”. Bodos and Muslims are basically religiously oriented communities and no wonder they at this hour of trial , seeking for meaning. I wish, these people be able to draw some meaning out of all this catastrophe around.

It’s not long back when the destitutes from Andhra were thrown into the borders and the beggars from Delhi were chased from the capital, preparing for the CWG. Who will forget the genocide in Godhra or the riots in Khandamal. Some how, we are pleased to hear the slogans like, “ India is Shining”, no matter what the reality around.

It’s time for us Indians now, to open our eyes and have a keen look a the reality and to start acting pro-actively. Assam violence, is yet another addition to the intolerence of Indians.

We have learnt to swim like the fish in the water and fly like the birds in the air, but we have not yet learnt the simple virtue of living together. We have somewhere failed to learn from the past failures. The biggest loser amidst all these is humanity- A suffering humanity;today perticularly in the victims of Assam violence .Let’s learn to be humans and respond to that cry, so that we will be able to realise the dream of that great man, ‘To wipe away every tear from every eye.’

 

Rayan Lobo Archives:


 

By Rayan Joel Lobo
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Comment on this article

  • wilson, mangalore

    Wed, Aug 01 2012

    very nice article rayan ..a heart touching one...

  • Divakar, Mangalore/Mumbai

    Wed, Aug 01 2012

    Those who have devided the country and taken their share have stayed back and some of them are creating problems.

  • Tony Pinto, Manglore - Dubai

    Wed, Aug 01 2012

    So INDIA will take care for Bangladeshi's if they want to cry go and cry in Bangladesh even our PM has donated Bangladesh $ 1 Billion the real fact our PM need more Bangladeshi should come to Assam and get settled in order for cash they required vote for them in next election.

  • Eric, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 01 2012

    Apt article by Rayan. Are we really tolarent now? Now it's all in text books. Day by day we are loosing humanistic side of our nature.

  • Patsy Thomas, Canada

    Mon, Jul 30 2012

    Bangladesh goverment cannot allow their people to keep on producing and have other countries take responsibilities for their support and welfare through illegal immigration. All illegal immigrants to India should be sent back, otherwise there would be no end to illegal immigration.

  • syed, mangaloreldubai

    Sun, Jul 29 2012

    Its shocking,sad and shameless for all mangalogeans to represent ar identity as mangaloren.

  • gretta, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 29 2012

    Very sad incident and a good article.
    This needs a strong political will power from the part of the center, the congress ruled India. Dear Manmohan Singh please do not tolerate voilence against the people of your country. The votes that you may get from those culprits wont do u good. Does any country in present world tolerate this much illegal migration?

  • Mohamad Adil, Mangalore

    Sun, Jul 29 2012

    good article...bUt one question ,,,why none of the media coverage Burma killing...atleast i had expected a small article...if you r not aware...plz do the research and do it...

  • Anthony, Pune

    Sun, Jul 29 2012

    It is very clear from the many incidents that took place against women,that we are becoming less and less human and more and more barbarians. It is a serious issue, a true human being irrespective of caste and religion should fight against these atrocities against our sisters and mothers. My humble request is let us treat every woman with dignity and love.

  • Shaan, manglore/Dubai

    Sun, Jul 29 2012

    RSS AND ITS WINGS ARE REAL THREAT OF OUR NATION UNITY,RESULT COUNTRY WILL DEVIDED SOON AND RSS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS.

  • Chao Deep, Assam

    Sun, Jul 29 2012

    indeed it is a serious humanitarian crisis. it could have been avoided if the politicians would have dealt with the issue of illegal immigration more seriously.


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