Back to square one?

The popular resurgence against politicians post 26/11 was short-lived. The netas are back in action, says Anil P Bagarka

FADE-OUT EFFECT? Thousands of Mumbaikars has participated in a protest rally at the Gateway of India on December 3 to commemorate the 26/11 terror attacks

The popular resurgence against politicians post 26/11 was short-lived. The netas are back in action, says Anil P Bagarka

Though tragic and horrifying, the 26/11 terror attacks had one positive effect the ordinary citizen came together and proclaimed that enough is enough. The anger was directed as much againstu00a0 self-serving politicians as against the criminal perpetrators.

The usually vociferous politician was for once on the back foot and went numb. Ridiculing the women who participated in the candlelight vigils had the netas fumbling for explanations later. Unfortunately, hopes of a popular resurgence proved to be short-lived, and the politicians are back in business.

Petty politics

Shiv Sena supremo Bal Thackeray demanded a national emergency and the hanging of surviving terrorist Mohammad Ajmal Amir Qasab at CST. His party workers were browbeating anyone volunteering to provide legal help to Qasab.

Once again, the politicians are trying to demonstrate that they are above the Constitution.
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The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has issued a fatwa that no Pakistani should be allowed to perform in the country. It has warned stores from selling cassettes or books by Pakistanis. This competitive jingoism may be good politics, but is unsound statesmanship.

Create goodwill

The ban may be a symbolic gesture of the public's anger, but may not serve any purpose. It may affect a few performers and players, but will hardly register on the powers that matter.

We are well aware that even the elected government in Pakistan is helpless and can barely take any action without inviting the wrath of fundamentalists in their country. India can expect some concrete action only if democracy is strengthened there. Since the politicians there are also self-serving, little can be expected from them.

Only an effective people's movement will force them to take action. Therefore, we should work towardsu00a0 creating goodwill.

It cannot be denied that there are a lot of people in India who want to severe all relations with Pakistan. Fair enough, but will this be effective if done under the duress or fear of assault by our political parties?

Would the MNS have the courage to campaign for such a voluntary boycott instead ofu00a0 issuing threats of vandalism and assault? But then, this would require a lot of hard work and the MNS would have to move away from its main agenda creating fear among people.

People's poweru00a0

The meek man on the street has clearly demonstrated that he has a mind of his own. He has shown where the real power of democracy lies. He must not undermine his power, and should instead, take the people's movement to its logical conclusion.