Mumbai and other metros say “Enough is enough” – what is India’s voice?

Everyone is being put under pressure now, the security agencies, the bureaucrats, the politicians and more. The media has been fairly active in analyzing the issues around the terror attacks in Mumbai, the past attacks and lack of action on part of all those involved.

Citizens want action; some concrete suggestions also have been spelt out. There is a strong opinion building around this, which if well directed will help the country to move forward. Some focus though is required in building an all India consensus on this issue.

We all know that true India is rural India. A vast majority of the population stays in the villages of India in extremely challenging environment. For them the terrorist could include the local mafia supported by the politicians, local moneylender and upper caste landlords and anyone who creates deprivation for the peaceful sustenance, for their women and children and their right to appropriate livelihood for their hard work. Rural migration to metros for search of livelihood has also created strange social issues for the rural families. Will these villages and the poor masses be affected by what is happening from terror attacks in metros!!

The terror attacks in the past have a largely affected metro suburbs, hit trains, buses, temples etc. The so called masses of the cities have been deeply affected. For the first time, these attacks have also affected the central business districts including the rich and famous in a big way along with the masses. The north south divide in Mumbai which has been discussed many times in the past specially when we were hit by floods on 26 July a few years ago and the lack of infrastructure in the suburbs; one wonders what material action has taken place to deal with the issue affecting the masses.

Similarly this time around, a large portion of our patriots, soldiers and politicians still come from rural India, it will be great if rural India can be joined into this movement which is gathering momentum now. Else it will provide another opportunity to certain politicians who will get away by dividing the country yet again on the basis of caste, creed and economic disparity and continue to ‘rule’ whilst the urban intelligentsia can keep shouting from the roof tops.

Corporate India and NGOs should come up with concrete and speedy action on the ground so that rural India can find some support from urban India to rise above their survival issues and join this ‘revolution’ which can help India deal with its system and systemic issues prevailing for over 6 decades.

Social inclusion needs to precede financial inclusion. Social inclusion will include many steps on health, education, housing, electricity, water etc. Without this country could remain divided and susceptible to many forces such as mafia, naxalites and religious groups working on the mindsets of the underprivileged. The politicians and bureaucrats will show some action steps, a new law, a new central agency etc and deal with the present tide on national security and find some time to breathe easy. However, the politician’s bigger failing is and will continue to be the lack of action on social and financial inclusion at rural level which will impair any efforts to keep the country united on national level issues. The current revolution should also make efforts for social inclusion of rural India and this time it has to be driven by urban India.