Violence In Maharashtra Over Tripura Incidents
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
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By Linus Garg
First publised on 2021-11-15 07:33:34
About the Author
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
View all posts by this Author
The violence in Maharashtra was totally avoidable if the police had not allowed a free hand to both Muslims and Hindus. When Muslims took out a protest rally in Amravati, Nanded and Malegaon against the targeting of their community in Tripura, the local police said it was surprised at the huge turnout. But even if it was surprised, it could have acted swiftly to get reinforcements and could have prevailed upon rally leaders to hold a symbolic protest instead of allowing them to go about the city and create mayhem.
The very fact that the rallies were being taken out simultaneously in three cities should have alerted the police that there was something big behind the protests. Similarly, it should at least have been prepared on the next day when the BJP retaliated. From past experience, it should have known that the Hindu protest would be equally violent and should have taken all measures to prevent the situation from escalating. In allowing rallies and then allowing them freedom to move about the city, the police abdicated their duty to prevent such situations by taking proactive steps.
The situation has now gone totally out of hand with the curfew, which was first imposed in Amravati, now extended to four other cities, including Nanded and Malegaon. Internet services have been suspended in the area. More than 50 persons have been arrested. The situation remains tense on the ground and eruption of fresh violence cannot be ruled out. Already, rioters have damaged both public and private property and have indulged in arson and loot. This cannot be allowed to go on.
The government must act fast and involve influencers from both communities to cool tempers. The economy has started recovering from the pandemic disruptions and Maharashtra can ill-afford such disruptions. It is obvious that there are mischief makers on both sides. They must be identified and arrested and the situation brought under control as fast as possible.
