Internet shut down. A very effective weapon in right hands. By right hands, of course we mean oppressive government. Internet brings information. No network, no information. A hiatus made in the modern world surveillance, all “nuisances” cleared, and then back to normal mode with a flawless made up story about what happened. Who will contest? All the evidences have been wiped out already.
A Neighbor’s Warning
Just weeks ago, Bangladesh witnessed a dramatic upheaval—an entire government was ousted overnight. The critical details of this seismic shift remain shrouded in mystery, thanks to an enforced internet blackout. The authorities conveniently silenced millions by severing digital communication, ensuring no evidence, voices, or dissenting narratives could emerge. Once the dust settled, a manufactured narrative filled the void, leaving little room for contestation or investigation.
This chilling tactic has now made its way to India, with the district of Murshidabad, a mere four-hour train journey from Kolkata, currently under a similar information blackout.
The Spark in Murshidabad
Every year, Bengalis celebrate the month-end of Kartik with fervor, marked by grand festivals like Kartik Puja. Some areas, like Beldanga and Berhampore in Murshidabad, observe unique traditions of Bhairav Puja, deeply rooted in ancient tantric rituals. Over the years, Beldanga has become a Muslim-majority area, but the Hindu community continues to uphold its festive customs.
This year, however, the peaceful celebration took a violent turn. A controversial comment was displayed in a local puja pandal, seemingly aimed at provoking communal tensions. Curiously, the incident was captured on video in a suspiciously timely manner, raising questions about whether it was a deliberate setup. The situation spiraled out of control when extremist factions exploited the moment, leading to widespread chaos.
Reports of attacks on pandals, destruction of idols, and assaults on civilians quickly emerged. The violence spilled over to public infrastructure, with trains targeted, posing a grave risk to passengers.
The Government’s Role: Silence and Suppression
Amidst the chaos, the government has failed to arrest or identify a single perpetrator, highlighting its chronic inefficiency. However, it displayed remarkable efficiency in cutting off internet services across the district, plunging Murshidabad into a digital blackout.
This move has effectively isolated the district from the modern world, leaving its residents voiceless and vulnerable. While such a step is often justified as a “security measure,” in reality, it suffocates fundamental rights, erases accountability, and paves the way for unchecked violence. In a democracy, the internet is not merely a convenience; it is a lifeline for information, communication, and justice.
A Broader Concern for Democracy
Murshidabad’s plight is a distressing reminder of the growing authoritarian tendencies in democratic nations. When the state uses its power to suppress rather than protect, it raises an urgent question: how many more such incidents must occur before we address the fragility of our democratic values?
The internet blackout in Murshidabad is not just a local issue; it is a symptom of a larger problem. It reflects a dangerous precedent where governments resort to silencing citizens instead of addressing root causes. The repercussions of such actions ripple far beyond geographical boundaries, eroding the very foundations of democracy.
The Road Ahead
As Murshidabad burns under the weight of communal strife and state apathy, the silence of the rest of the nation is deafening. How long will we remain complicit in the face of such oppression? The question that looms large is this: when will the night of fear and suppression end in Murshidabad—and in every place where democracy is under siege?
For now, the voices of the oppressed remain unheard, their stories untold. But history has shown us that no wall of silence lasts forever. The fight for truth and justice may be delayed, but it cannot be denied.
