"Balkanization is a geopolitical term originally used to describe the process of fragmentation or division of a region or state into smaller regions or states that are often hostile or non-cooperative with each other. The term has arisen from the conflicts in the 20th century Balkans. While what is now termed Balkanization has occurred throughout history, the term originally describes the creation of smaller, ethnically diverse states following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire before World War." This is how Wikipedia describes balkanization.
The 1991 break down of the Soviet Union into 15 countries can be called as the "balkanization of the Soviet Union."
India is the seventh largest country of the world. India has 28 states and 7 union territories. India is a diverse country where parts of the country are very poor (little or no opportunity for getting work) and part of the country is affluent (more of opportunity to get work).
Bihar is one state which is underdeveloped, lacks infrastructure, corrupt government officials and much of Bihar is economically underdeveloped. Biharis are found everywhere in India. A great percentage of all manual workers across the length and breadth of the country are Biharis. The great Bihari migration has lead to lesser opportunity for the local people or cut in wages (demand supply theory). This has lead to racist hate crimes towards the Biharis, be it in Assam or Maharastra. Biharis are not alone as far as racial crimes are concerned, non-Kanadi software professionals have faced the ire of hate crimes in Bangalore (although rare episodes). There have been instances of Bengalis beaten up by Assamese in Assam and Bengalis versus Tripuris in Tripura. In the entire northeastern part of India it has generally been the Bengalis who have been in the receiving end (historically though Bengalis had taken advantage of the tribal people but then 2 wrongs do not make a right).
Today, on October 19, 2008, rod yielding MNS supporters have beaten up examinees in Mumbai and other parts of Maharastra demanding only Marathi speaking people get jobs in Maharastra. If indeed this continues then a day will certainly come when Marathis outside of Maharastra will face the same royal treatment. The problem is that none of these hate crimes are being committed spontaneously (not that then it would be applaudable), but most of them are being provoked attacks by political parties (MNS being the prime) for vote bank politics.
Even religious vote bank politics are playing a big role, which indirectly is fuelling hatred between the several communities (Jammu and Kashmir - Amarnath land row) in India.
Then there is the caste politics which is creating hatred, a child born to a Brahmin peon will have less opportunity in education and/or jobs than a child born to a OBC, SC or ST IAS/IPS officer (although I do not understand why we do not have 49% reservations among the ministers for SC, ST, and OBC.)
If the politicians do not mend their ways, India is headed the way USSR went.
The 1991 break down of the Soviet Union into 15 countries can be called as the "balkanization of the Soviet Union."
India is the seventh largest country of the world. India has 28 states and 7 union territories. India is a diverse country where parts of the country are very poor (little or no opportunity for getting work) and part of the country is affluent (more of opportunity to get work).
Bihar is one state which is underdeveloped, lacks infrastructure, corrupt government officials and much of Bihar is economically underdeveloped. Biharis are found everywhere in India. A great percentage of all manual workers across the length and breadth of the country are Biharis. The great Bihari migration has lead to lesser opportunity for the local people or cut in wages (demand supply theory). This has lead to racist hate crimes towards the Biharis, be it in Assam or Maharastra. Biharis are not alone as far as racial crimes are concerned, non-Kanadi software professionals have faced the ire of hate crimes in Bangalore (although rare episodes). There have been instances of Bengalis beaten up by Assamese in Assam and Bengalis versus Tripuris in Tripura. In the entire northeastern part of India it has generally been the Bengalis who have been in the receiving end (historically though Bengalis had taken advantage of the tribal people but then 2 wrongs do not make a right).
Today, on October 19, 2008, rod yielding MNS supporters have beaten up examinees in Mumbai and other parts of Maharastra demanding only Marathi speaking people get jobs in Maharastra. If indeed this continues then a day will certainly come when Marathis outside of Maharastra will face the same royal treatment. The problem is that none of these hate crimes are being committed spontaneously (not that then it would be applaudable), but most of them are being provoked attacks by political parties (MNS being the prime) for vote bank politics.
Even religious vote bank politics are playing a big role, which indirectly is fuelling hatred between the several communities (Jammu and Kashmir - Amarnath land row) in India.
Then there is the caste politics which is creating hatred, a child born to a Brahmin peon will have less opportunity in education and/or jobs than a child born to a OBC, SC or ST IAS/IPS officer (although I do not understand why we do not have 49% reservations among the ministers for SC, ST, and OBC.)
If the politicians do not mend their ways, India is headed the way USSR went.
No comments:
Post a Comment