Back to normal

So, on Friday, everything was back to normal and it was as if nothing had happened the day before. But of course things had happened. The death toll currently stands at eight, including one policeman and there are a couple of hundred injured. But it's strange how the city has gone right back to normal, almost instantly. I went out for a walk and a bite to eat on Friday night and it really did feel like all that had taken place in another city. People were certainly pretending that the previous day never happened as they thronged down Brigade Road, shopping bags in hand.

The newspapers are of course full of discussion about what happened and why. There were rumours that 'troublemakers' were being bused into the city from the outskirts on Wednesday already. The Chief Minister of Karnataka said that he believes that the violence was politically motivated and while not saying so directly, hints heavily that it was the opposition who arranged it to embarrass his government. There is another theory that the death of the actor was a catalyst for the poorest people to vent their anger and frustration against a city that is becoming increasingly divided. Of course there is also the fact that crowds can act in surprising ways.



This being India, it is quite possible that all of the above are true and that the reasons for the violence are even more complex and may never all come to light. What is clear is that there was a lot more to it than just an over-reaction to the passing of a popular actor.


n.b. Of course the photos are not mine. As I said, I did think about going to have a look in town on Thursday but it would have been risky and I chickened out.