The Dussehra festivities this time were marred by two major incidents – a train tragedy in Punjab killing over 60 persons watching a fireworks show from the tracks, and an incident in Jehanabad in Bihar where some 20 young women/girls faced slashes on their bodies with sharp blades by anti-social elements. What should have been a season of joy has turned into a period of deep sorrow and serious distress.
The blame-game indulged in by the Punjab government and the Railways over the train mishap on Friday night at Amritsar was only to be expected. Politics is at play with the Congress trying to embarrass the BJP and vice-versa. It would, however, turn out that the festivities including a fireworks display were organised in the spot near the scene of the tragedy in the presence of a state woman minister. No permission had been taken for the event, as per first reports that were later “denied” in part. It is common knowledge that a fireworks display in an urban area, as also use of microphones, required police compliance as also a nod from municipal authorities. Had normal procedures been followed, chances were that the Railway authorities would have been informed in advance. At night, visibility was poor. The crowd could not sense the arrival of the train due to the heavy noise caused by the fireworks display.
The Railway authorities claims they had no information as to the likely presence of a crowd on the tracks and hence no precautionary measures were taken. There is little meaning in continued mutual recriminations. The police on its own could have taken action if an event was held without its permission. It could even have stalled it. The presence of a state minister also meant the cops had to bend over backwards and not do their job. Those guilty must not only take the responsibility but also quit their jobs; or, they be ousted out of their chairs. This includes the minister too, as a huge tragedy has taken place and accountability is of prime importance.
As for the Jehanabad incident, locals complain that such attacks had been occurring during the Dussehra festivals in the past too but still the district administration did little to check this. This is the tragedy. During such festivals girls and women in large numbers stir out of their homes, enjoy the evenings and attend the fairs. Gaiety is in the air. But, tragic things have happened. At the minimum, policing requires more seriousness.