Paint me Yellow

Rang De Basanti...

Perhaps the most widely discussed Hindi movie in recent times. The ending, wherein the protagonists resort to violent ways, was a topic of much heated debate. People questioned if the director was suggesting violence as the solution to many of this country's problems.

Many were also skeptical about the scene wherein the police is called to disperse a largely peaceful crowd assembled in front of the India Gate. 'Not in Democratic India in 2006', 'Maybe possible in Bihar, Not Delhi....The director has taken too much cinematic liberty' were some of the criticisms.

Well here is some thing to chew on: http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=65622

The online version of Indian Express reports,'Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar, who was forcibly removed from the spot of her indefinite hunger strike, was under observation at the AIIMS while 27 of her supporters were arrested by the police in an overnight swoop. '

Now check this out:' Police sources said an FIR has been lodged against Patkar on charges of attempt to suicide. She is likely to be arrested after her health improves.'

Now I am disturbed by this and have a couple of questions to ask:

1. The people who were manhandled by the police were silently registering their protest at Jantar Mantar,Delhi and not blocking traffic or train tracks and disturbing the normal life of common citizens as is the case with most of the strikes called by the political parties. So what prompted the police to take hostile action against these people, some of whose houses are at the risk of being submerged if the proposed plans to increase the height of the Narmada dam were to be implemented?

2. An FIR against Patkar for attempt to suicide? How ridiculous? Well going by that logic, since many people die in India due to Hunger/Cold and since the welfare of its citizens is the responsibility of the state, the government on India, the Prime minister and his cabinet should be held culpable for the thousands of starvation deaths that happen throughout the year.

Well who am I asking these questions? The laws are meant only for the common citizens. Politicians are above the law,You see.

Yet it must be understood that if you take away avenues where in people can peacefully register protest; they will react in the only way left: Violence.

Democracy seems to exist only on paper.
Rang De Basanti..... I don't think so? Give Me Red!!!!!!

p.s: I hope the police doesn't register an FIR against me for inciting people!!!