Kashmir Times, 8 November 2008
Army officers' links with Malegaon blast expose 'saffron' ideology's deadly reach
Vicious, but meticulously designed, distortions introduced into the Indian society through sustained contamination of democratic, constitutional institutions of the state have finally rung the alarm bells. Sensational disclosures tumbling out of the Maharashtra police investigation into the recent Malegaon bomb blasts have sent shock waves across the country and virtually shaken popular confidence in the sanctity of a bastion that was supposed to be totally immune to such affliction. The arrest of Lt Col Srikant Purohit and possible similar action against some more army officers for their alleged involvement in the Malegaon blasts last September has made everyone sit up. Everyone, that is, minus those whose entire philosophy and politics revolves round a pernicious concept generally described as ultra-nationalism of the Right. The poison of hatred against minorities in general and muslims in particularly being spread by the perpetrators of hate has left nothing untouched. That the rot has penetrated even an institution like the Army is thus not so much of a surprise as it is shocking. Traces of affliction are palpable in every institutions of the state, not excluding the hallowed judiciary.
In fact, these facts are no news, much less any surprise, to those genuinely interested in analysing the causes of India's unending troubles in Kashmir. Patently communal attitude, tinged with unconcealed anti-minority bias, has been openly displayed by a sizeable section of the security forces performing their 'duty' in the state. The difference was starkly evident in the contrasting attitude and brazenly discriminatory manner in which the security forces, including army and para-military forces, dealt with the protest demonstrations in Kashmir and Jammu regions. Extensive footage of how differently the two identical situations were dealt with revealed yet another pathetic side of this sad story. Those at the helm acted totally blind to what was happening right under their nose, leading to inevitable conclusion that this naked dance of prejudice was officially blessed. Now that the chickens have come home to roost, the disclosures coming out of the Malegaon blast investigations has stirred the conscience of the society. Inescapable conclusion is that Kashmir is a fair game so long as it remains confined to safeguarding 'national interest' in that territory. It is surprising that not a finger was raised beyond the boundary of this state and nobody's conscience was pricked by what was happening in Kashmir.
Looking at the problem from a wider perspective in the backdrop of the arrest of Lt Col Purohit, it is clear beyond doubt that the 'saffron' ideology has poisoned the body politic. During the five year NDA rule at the centre, organs of the state and its institutions were systematically contaminated with the induction of 'committed' men who, in turn, promoted their pernicious ideology of hate and prejudice of the ultra-nationalistic variety. A section of the society, mainly in the middle rung, has got contaminated. It is the human material from this very segment that fills most of the institutions of the state and also provides main instruments of governance.
This is abject failure of the state, no less than that of the society. Consequences are just beginning to appear to the horror of every right thinking Indian. However, it would be wrong to blame the army which is seen as a venerable institution of the state. But it would be more wrong to ignore the symptoms of malady beginning to show in its makeup.
Perhaps the time has come for stemming the rot. Drastic correctives may be needed to tackle the malignant affliction. Failure on this front would mean the end of the idea of India. Its mutilated version marketed by merchants of hatred and prejudice has torn the society apart viciously. To save the country and its state from falling apart, it is time to stand up and be counted. Inevitable consequences of the poisonous 'saffron' ideology can be ignored only at nation's peril.
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