viewpoint

The killing of a Maharashtrian by the pro-Marathi trouble makers is unfortunate. Someone who had nothing to do with an ill-conceived agitation has, as happens in all such cases, been sacrificed. Mahatma Gandhi had said during his Satyagraha movement in South Africa that, there is suffering to be borne in all forms of conflict - whether violent or non-violent. The same has befallen an innocent man and his family.

Separatists have time and again targeted their diatribe against Gujaratis, South Indians, and now North Indians, in Maharashtra. The moot question to be asked is - Is Maha-rashtra larger than the Rashtra that is India? While it is alright to be patriotic, why should it be limited to borders of state and country?

We all are too deeply rooted to our sub-nationalities, if the existence of any thing of the sort is to be acknowledged. Whether we like it or not, each one of us is an Indian first. The current agitation is akin to the Kashmiri Pandits being thrown out of J&K. There is only the difference of degree.

The issue of development is getting lost in the din of the turmoil. States like UP, Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal have very little to offer to those who have chosen to seek work in large metros. All the menial jobs go to these migrants. Their role in the development of Mumbai, for instance, cannot be undermined. These people offer the choice of labour at low wages to the moneyed people.