MNS vs. North Indians

MNS vs. North Indians
The MNS activists have repeated their heinous act. They attacked candidates who came to appear for an examination to be conducted by the Indian Railways. Their grouse is that people who do not belong to Maharashtra grab the jobs in the state to the exclusion or disadvantage of locals. This is not the first time they have indulge in such violence against North Indians. Nor do they care about the sense of outrage their actions cause among victims or others. The MNS, off course, is trying to carve out a space for itself following a split with Shiv Sena. Its aggressive posturing is directed to ensure for itself a significant share of the Maharashtrian vote whenever polls are held next in that state. Its ambitions may include a virtual take over of the Shiv Sena’s role in anticipation of a decline in the latter’s fortunes as Bal Thackeray’s hold on the masses lessens with advancing age. MNS is not the only outfit, which arouses regional sentiment in order to derive electoral benefits. TMC recently threw out Tata’s Nano from Singur to make a dent in Left’s share of rural vote in Bengal. It resorted to physical attacks on the unit’s personnel to prevent them from functioning on the site. What is reprehensible about MNS actions is not limited to physically attacking young men aspiring to find employment on the basis of merit. It is the belief that even national entities like the Indian Railways are not free to hold all- India competitions in its stronghold, Mumbai and must restrict recruitment to local candidates. The outfit has been issuing threats to all and sundry over a variety of issues. Jet will not be allowed to fly out of Mumbai. It would not be allowed to impose a salary cut. The people from Bihar can not perform Chat puja in Maharashtra. Nor they can ply taxis in the city. The shops and business establishments can only use Marathi on display boards. In order to enlarge its hold on local population, it can go to any extent while the law and order machinery watches the situation mutely. The reason is that the local administration does not want to acquire an anti- Maharashtrian image. So let the poor candidates and taxi drivers be thrashed in full public view while the Home Minister issues a routine statement condemning the assaults and the police commissioner promises action against the culprits. The warrant of arrest against the man responsible for taking the law unto his own hands is either not executed or is released on a personal bond at his residence itself only for the sake of record. He instigates violence and is set free to repeat his illegal actions. This is not “maha-nirman” but “maha-vinash”. It is futile to argue with organizations like MNS to rise above regional and parochial issues and think in national terms. But the nation does expect from the State and the Central government that those who take law into their own hands, wherever and whoever they may be, should be dealt with sternly. Politics is being increasingly played at the expense of innocent citizens those who are peacefully leading their lives. Their life and liberty must be protected as enshrined in the Constitution.