A Time to remember

There are many instances which have a parallel in time. This comparison is currently going on in India. The events include the Gujarat riots of 2002 and the Ant-Sikh violence of 1984. Both these events are a big threat today, because involve resentment under the surface, which can explode at any time. The issues are far from being forgotten, and it is only a matter of time before extremist elements create havoc in the present using that past.

Both the above mentioned pogroms have had a deep impact on the Indian social setup. The Godhra riots of 2002 still evoke passion among the majority, but the pogrom in Punjab following 'Operation Blue Star' is now being forgotten. Operation Blue Star was carried out by the Indian army to flush out Sikh militants at the Golden Temple in Punjab in 1984. Then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had ordered this operation, and within months she was shot dead by her bodyguards, who were Sikh. What followed in Delhi was one of the worst instances of violence ever since Partition.

The Anti-Sikh riots and the Godhra riots both show how demented the psyche of certain sections of the populace can be when Political parties whip up hatred. Both these instances have had political backing, and the main perpetrators have not been bought to Justice. These events have isolated a particular section of the population and questioned their 'Indianness'. Also, both these pogroms bought the ruling party back to power in the next election.

What does this tell you about power politics and dictatorshp? Power Politics and Dictatorship are both enforceable when the majority of the population become Apathic to reality. The dynamics of Power Politics are such that human life and thoughts are at a premium and it can be crushed. As with both events, both terms also have a common parallel in time.

Both these events teach the citizenry that 'ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS EVERYONE'. Power can be countered only by vigilance, and only if people oppose power using their strength in numbers. But, this will be problematic if people do not execute the strength in numbers. Punjab and Gujarat will continue to simmer, and there can be no solution, only reconciliation and Justice. If Justice is given, then the tensions will also cease.