Delhi Riots 2 - Jahangirpuri clashes Precursor to Communal Conflict Cauldron

The Sooner they realize that the "Bulldozer" policy and tactics are not sufficient the stem communal conflict conflagration, the better it is for the national security interests of modern India

NewsBharati    23-Apr-2022 14:32:57 PM   
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Jahangirpuri communal clashes are yet another grim reminder foreboding eruption of more violent and large-scale sectarian violence - viciously churning communal conflict cauldron that can precipitate horrendous genocide reminiscent of 1947 partition riots. After all, Delhi riots in 2020 in Northeast Delhi resulted in the death of 53 people and unprecedented destruction of public property. Islamophobia is a reality particularly among the Hindu majority. Islam propagates use of politically and religiously-motivated violence to consolidate its hold and sway over modern India. Recurring riots are a natural fallout with the majority of "Youth Bulge" unemployed and underemployed.

In 1867, “politics is the art of the possible,” said the German statesman Otto von Bismarck. In today's confrontational and conflictual politics of opposing political parties, contra negotiation, conciliation and consensus as bed-rock of democracy, Bismarck's statement needs to be consigned to the dustbin of history. In retrospect, "Politics is the art of Opportunism" is more appropriate to India's current political dynamics of "Aye Ram, Gaye Ram".

Delhi Riots 2 Jahangirpuri violence 

The blame for communal riots squarely rests on different sections of society? The writing on the wall is clear even for a fool to read? Many Gods cannot even help in maintaining peace and harmony what with Islam condemning all others as "Kafirs" and "Jizya" tax. Let me start with the Modi-Amit Shah duo. They have dismally failed to curb the surge of communal violence in recent times. Sooner they realize that "Weak-kneed Gandhian appeasement politics", the better it is to curb the menace of communal conflagrations engulfing modern India all around.

The Sooner they realize that the "Bulldozer" policy and tactics are not sufficient the stem communal conflict conflagration, the better it is for the national security interests of modern India. First, they must send a clear signal by declaring modern India as "Hindu Rashtra". Next, they must ban the PFI, SDPI, CFI and all other fundamentalist organizations without fear and favor? Why dithering and procrastination over the issue? Instead of going on a foreign tour, Modi must first address the threats churning and brewing internally from radical sleeper outfits sulking and waiting for an opportunity to strike as per directions of their alien handlers.

Why did the Parliament not pass strict laws banning radical communal organizations besides clamping down on foreign funds flow to sustain, incite, promote communal divide? Why did the Judiciary fail to take suo moto notice of the emerging situation and direct all other administrative echelons to ensure maintenance of law and order? Ironic that the Supreme Court has stopped even the "Bulldozer" drive to demolish illegal structures of all communities to deter and dissuade communal riots in future. How can the Courts intervene and uphold illegal activities instead of fast pacing drives against them? Surely, it will encourage crooks to pursue criminal acts under the patronage of political masters.

Thus, all the government institutions including legislature, executive and judiciary are to be squarely blamed for recurring communal clashes as precursor to widespread breakout all over India. Why is the visual media only reacting to developing events instead of directing their so-called investigative journalists to identify and expose the communal die-hards? No point in "politicization of riots" after the event and playing "blame games" to score brownie points. Excessive politicization" only consolidates "Excessive Polarization" of society on "We" and 'They `` basis. No need for intellect to predict future forebodings to breakout sooner than later.

Amit Shah, Home Minister, is squarely to be blamed for failure to predict outbreak of riots. No point in after-riots sermons to Delhi Police and other executive machinery to take strict action, which is vague. Why resort to "Reactive Strategy and Policies"? Waking up after the outbreak of clashes exposes intellectual bankruptcy. Why not formulate and execute "Preventive and pre-emptive Strategy and Policies"? Surely, the Home Ministry - CBI, IB, RAW and other intelligence institutions - have provided their inputs on individuals and organizations and their foreign sponsors to the Ministry. If so, why even now the dithering and procrastination to ban the PFI, SDPI, CFI and other communal organizations?

Amit Shah and the Ministry of Home must send clear directions to the Police and other administrative machinery to act fast, smart or proactive and pre-emptive, besides effectively implementing "instant justice" acts. For example, if a policemen gets injured by the rioter, it is attempt to murder. Why should the Policemen spare such terror acts against them? In self defense, they must also give spot retributive justice to send the right signal to all alike. Otherwise, police forces would be looked upon like a "Joke". In fact, not only the prime 5 accused, but all those wielding swords and sticks must be booked under criminal laws.

If Supreme Court is genuinely interested in its activism and intervention, it must constitute a "Fast Track Court" under its jurisdiction in its campus and delver time bound fast track justice - not exceeding 15 days at the most. Otherwise, even the Supreme Court is culpable and accountable to the ongoing communal conflagration. Next, why the Delhi Police has not arrested all the leaders and riot provocateurs before the event particularly those possessing weapons and ammunition. Even, should they have ordered all those possessing swords to deposit them in the Police Stations for temporary periods?
 
Time to review the policy governing ownership of a Sword or a Machete in India. As per current laws, it is illegal to carry the same when one leaves home. It is also illegal to brandish the same at other people as it is also construed as a weapon capable of causing harm. If so, why has Delhi Police arrested only those 5 who used firearms during the riots? All those carrying "Swords" and brandishing them in public must also be arrested and criminal action initiated. High time for the Parliament to pass an ordinance to ban possession of Swords without license. Also, to possess and carry long sticks and batons! Take the cue from the US Law from banning the "Baton".

India is passing through extraordinarily contentious times. No longer do various sections believe in shared bonds based on 'live and let-live' environments, which are ideals of the bygone past. "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", a Sanskrit phrase found in the Maha Upanishad, which means "The World Is One Family" was a highly idealistic social philosophy when the geographically the world was mostly insular based on a single religious philosophy. Its invocation by political leaders in pursuit of "pseudo secularism" is absolute utopia, mirage and mercilessly exposed intellectual stupidity.

Most importantly, Indian media is hell-bent on spinning and sensationalizing every single social institution in the name of news coverage. Add to it, that social media, a boon to democracy and freedom of speech and expression, is viciously fragmenting society. Conjointly, the media is spinning many different versions of political, economic and social ideologies besides history: Radical and communal Hindu and Islamist confrontational ideologies besides pseudo secular ideologies. No wonder, India, as a pluralist society, is fragmenting on every single social count. Almost every single institution of society is divided not only on red and blue, left and right but also within each institution like government establishments, universities, professional associations and even families.

Social media is weaponizing the frivolous. The digital revolution has shattered social harmony. So the public isn’t one thing; it’s highly fragmented, and it’s basically mutually hostile. It’s mostly people yelling at each other and living in bubbles of one sort or another. Social media has made it easier to hold powerful people accountable for their shortcomings, not just in politics but in business, the arts, academia, and elsewhere.
 
Recent academic studies suggest that social media is indeed corrosive to trust in governments, news media, and people and institutions in general. This new game played out on social media is to encourage dishonesty and mob dynamics: Users were guided not just by their true preferences but by their past experiences of reward and punishment, and their prediction of how others would react to each new action.

In reality, social media is amplifying political polarization; fomenting populism, especially radical communal polarization; and is associated with the spread of misinformation. In retrospect, media of all types are turning out to be the most pernicious threat to national security. Social media in toe with visual media has accelerated strained cross-political party relationships, particularly after 2014. Now its enhanced virility is more hazardous. It is also fraternizing with the enemy or even failing to attack the enemy with sufficient vigor.

Viewed in the framework of a vicious social, political and economic environment, persisting with laid-back status quo strategies and policies can no anymore maintain social harmony and unity so vital for safeguarding national security interests.

Wake Up all alike before it is too late!

Brig. G B Reddy (Retd)

G B Reddy, former Brigadier has seen frontline battles in India-China War in 1962, India-Pakistan War in 1965, and India-Pakistan War in 1971 (Liberation of Bangladesh). He has served in various insurgency areas to include Nagaland, Manipur, Assam, and West Bengal at the height of Naxal problem; Punjab, J & K and IPKF in Sri Lanka.

Author of seven books and numerous articles covering national security strategy, international, national and local political and social developments, he participated in international and national seminars whilst serving as Consultant/Senior Visiting Fellow at the National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad. He also served in Corporate Assignments of Vice-President, Kitply Industries and C.E.O, Hilton Tobacco Ltd.

He is a Graduate of National Defense College, New Delhi, Command and Staff College in Canada, Long and Senior Defense Management Programs at College of Defense Management in Hyderabad. He has served on the faculties of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, College of Combat, and Infantry School, Mhow.

He was awarded Ati Vishist Seva Medal for Distinguished Service of an Exceptional Order in Nagaland 1986. Menitoned-in-Despatches for gallantry in 1971 war. Chief of Army Staff Commendation Medal in 1977 for exceptional contribution for faculty development.

Seven books published: 1) Rising Dragon – China’s Holistic Security Strategic Perspective; 2) Nation in Crisis – Dimensions of National Security and Terrorism; 3) In Search of National Values - Withering Democracy, Secularism and Socialism; 4) India’s Nuclear Dilemmas; 5) Fight Against Corruption and Leadership Decay; 6) Democracy in Peril; and, 7) Cost Effective Rural Housing Technologies.