North-East Exodus: A Blot on the Secular Fabric of our nation

Dear North East friends!! Please Come Back!!

The recent mass exodus of the North East people from Bangalore is a blot on the cosmopolitan character of the city. I wonder whether we, as a nation, are progressing towards attaining universal brotherhood or fragmenting on the basis of language and religion. What makes these recent threats more appalling is the fact that they go against the fundamental right of equality granted to the citizens by the Constitution.

Failure to stem parochial hatred will lead to it spreading to neighbouring States. Radical elements who promote anarchy by spreading hatred should be marginalised. It is unfortunate that the rumour-mongers have a parochial outlook, especially towards one of the most vibrant cosmopolitan cities of India. The sentiment, “regionalism-above-nationalism,” which is prevalent across the country in varying proportions is lamentable and should be addressed effectively. Placing the interest of one’s region above that of the nation is a threat to unity, and those doing so should be taken to task. These rumours spread by vested interest groups reflect the desperation of some political groups that disrupt normal life to gain political mileage. We should not get carried away by their actions. Bangalore or any other city does not lend itself to the concept of locals and outsiders.

The Centre and the State government should act immediately against the divisive forces who have been fomenting trouble with the sole objective of gaining a political identity for themselves. It is only be a matter of time before this brand of regional parochialism spreads its ugly and vicious tentacles to other States. It is high time the government realised the gravity of this situation and took stringent and rigorous action to advance the cause of the North East people it seeks to represent. We can only hope that the parochial tendency does not spread to other States enabling the North East people to come back.

My Letter to The Hindu dated 20-08-2012  

It was pathetic to see media images of students running about to escape the perceived threat. Hooliganism will rob the cosmopolitan character of Bangalore or any other city. The government should deal with it with an iron fist and send the signal that it will ensure the wellbeing of the north-easterners in every possible way.