Assam violence is over

21 August, 2012

In recent times state of Assam has witnessed unprecedented happenings starting with communal clash between two communities in some districts, fallout of clashes marred by angry protests in Mumbai, exodus of people of northeast from different cities of India and political turmoil changing equations. In spite of all that Eid-ul-Fitre was celebrated with fervour and devotion in Assam along with other parts of the country. The Assam Chief Minister was also offering prayers to show his solidarity with Muslims of Assam and a massage sent through the air to maintain peace and harmony. Words of peace and brotherhood were voiced by many religious leaders who addressed their audiences on the holy occasion. This meant a lot to the torn state at this stage.

THE SITUATION in cities like Bangalore which witnessed maximum departure of people from northeast is good news. The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, urged the Muslims not to fall prey to rumours. He appealed to the Muslims to maintain peace and calm wherever they are. The message is conveyed well. Now, there is responsibility of media, social media, intellectuals and political parties to normalise situations. Human blood shedding whoever does or wherever happens is inhuman. We have stop this menace, should not go back to the era of hatred and mistrust. This is not going to be advantageous to anybody, even the political parties. This is proved time and time again.

The reports of streak incidents of clashes between two communities are still in the air. There is an atmosphere of uncertainty, mistrust and disbelief among the people of two communities. People are still in sceptical about activities and movements of two communities. Muslims feared impending attacks by Bodos on the day of Eid-Ul-Fitre and at the same Bodos feel that Muslims are waiting to attack after end of the holy month of Ramadan.

In the cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, the people of northeast took August 20 as cut off date. But no incidents were reported on August 20 and people are now satisfied that nothing untowards is going to happen. A week or two of peaceful proceedings and state of normalcy might put confidence in people. There is urgent need to address situation with gravity and government must take essential steps to curb the culprits airing hatred message and rumours.

There are ample evidences with government that the rumours were the propaganda of certain elements from Pakistan. Government of India has raised the issue with its counterparts of government of Pakistan and as usual the Pakistan denies. Government of India has banned many websites carrying message of hatred. This is a wise step. Muslims of India should not be carried away by rumours and should show compassion. Muslims of northeast are reiterating that they are living peacefully with other communities in Assam. Political parties should also apply their mind and not act or remark in any form to gain short-term mileage detrimental to peace, harmony and prosperity of its own country.

The government of Assam should try to bring situation under control and normalcy. They should try their best to bring back an atmosphere of confidence. The Chief Minister should try to forget differences with its most efficient minister and provide him duties to control situation. He, if desires to, can save the party and government which is otherwise a safe government enjoying more than two-third majority. At this stage, any differences within government may send wrong message to the people. The state must progress and prosper at any cost. Non-political organisations should co-operate government at this stage to bring back normalcy. The government alone can not bring back confidence among people. They should try to send back people who abandoned their livelihood and studies under the circumstances of rumours to those cities where they lived.