It’s up to us to not fall in traps of communalism

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Several communal incidents have flared in the city and the state of late, with state Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil warning people not to fall into the trap.

This paper has repeatedly asked people to use their judgment and discretion when it comes to politicians issuing statements to rabble rouse and create fissures in society. This happens just as decisions are taken about festivals. During the Covid-19 lockdown or slowdown as permissions to unlock or celebrate were taken in phases and changed as the situation was fluid, there were attempts to pit communities against each other. Politicians across the board, local leaders gave statements that claimed somebody or the other was being favoured and so-and-so community was being targeted. At that time, this paper had advised that it is wiser to look at the larger picture and use logic, as we battle Coronavirus.

As the virus of communalism resurfaces, we need to heed the home minister's words. The city, state and nation is trying to get back on track post Covid, and there is a great deal of work to be done in various fields to make up for the time lost during the pandemic. All this while, we also have to keep an eye out for variants and listen to experts who warn that Coronavirus may not be completely vanquished.

This is a time to aid, not antagonise, and the first steps towards this are peace, maintaining order, showing respect to the law-and-order machinery and most of all to each other.

People are the strength of every institution, the brick of any edifice, and we need the adhesive of unity to ensure that the society structure survives and thrives. The best response is to weigh the circumstances and even cock a snook at attempts to bait and polarise. Not falling for that one, people need to say.