Palghar takes us back into time

I am not much of a social commentator, i do have my own opinions but i would not say that they are informed and backed by concrete evidence and research. And yet it is valid because i would like to vouch myself to be a keen observer with a sane mind, for that is all it takes to understand the case with the two women at Palghar who were wrongfully taken into custody and booked under a heinous offence.

That they were taken into custody was a heinous offence in its own right should be a matter of shame - but not debate. There is no debate that two, otherwise law abiding citizens, were taken into custody was a gross injustice and absolutely asinine. What is worse is that there is fear in the minds of the people to speak against authority.

The woman who posted her personal opinion on a social networking site probably did not realise that her action would lead to national debate, that wasn't her intention. She was sharing an opinion with her friends, and in that this was not social activism or to instigate change. Yet the Sena felt it was, they were angry, they were sullen - this was the ultimate affront to their authority and a slap across their face and tarnished the memory of their great leader.

We don't see it as an affront, we don't see it as being harmful or inciting anger. But there was anger, helplessness and depression in the Sainiks, they needed an outlet and all of it was misdirected at this woman and her friends and relatives. I do not appreciate their actions, i do not like that they forced the local police authorities to charge them, i understand the plight of the police, but i cannot forgive them for it. All of this is moot though there is a larger picture.

Whether she thought of it or not, the woman had a voice, she had felt safe enough to exercise her right to free speech and speak about the bandh on Facebook. Do you remember how many times we have hushed our voices or told someone to shut up when they mention anything about the Sena. This is exactly that, you can do what you like because you do not have a problem with violence and believe that you can stop all dissension - Sena gave a decisive blow to free opinion on Facebook and hence free opinion online. We sit in our ivory towers of Metropolitan India and are safe in the absolute diversity which allows us the safety in our anonymity but spare a thought about the 1000 Palghars of our Country. The youth that reside there, their right to free speech and opinion.

Yes the case has been revoked, yes there has been disciplinary action against the Police but those youth, they will have to find their voice again. All over again.



Digital giveth and Digital taketh away - c'est la vie