Thursday 23 October 2008

Lest we forget


This off the BBC website: An Indian Christian villager at a relief camp in the eastern state of Orissa after her house was torched and her son burned alive by Hindu hardliners.

I the past few weeks since the 'situation' in Orissa has 'calmed down' we have been treated to a steady stream of reports that seek to down-play and 'explain' what went on and is going on in Orissa.

'Ancient animosity' - 'reactions against mass conversions' - 'scheduled tribes vs. scheduled castes' - all sorts of reasons given to make things seem absolutely normal as can be.

Take a look at this woman's face.

It is a shame that our dear country harbours so much hatred. To think of what our freedom fighters fought for - and to look at the shameful way our law-givers and law-enforcement agencies have consistently blamed the victims while the perpetrators continue to roam freely.

Fact is that we are reaping the grim consequence of hundreds and hundreds of incidents that are going on all the time - and which are swept under the carpet. A commission here by a retired judge - another inquiry there - but no one ever conclusively punished - no restitution - no reconciliation in sight.

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