Indian disturbances

As many as 30 people have died during riots and arson attacks which have erupted in two states in northern India after the conviction for rape of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh. Another 250 are reportedly injured. He was found guilty of sexual assault in a case that has lasted for 10 years, which in itself is not unusual in the sclerotic Indian legal system. His fame stems from being the leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect and he is flamboyant, reputedly very wealthy and called a ‘godman’ by his millions of followers. He will be sentenced on Monday 28^th August and is currently in a jail in Haryana state. Further unrest is anticipated on sentencing.

Gurus play an important part in the lives of many Indians but none has the reach of Singh who is regarded as one of the most powerful men in India outside the political mainstream. He has openly backed political parties over the years and actively supported the Modi government. Despite the rape trial which has run for a decade his followers have continued to support him. There is no direct parallel between Singh and any individual political or otherwise in Pakistan, but there are parallels in organisational terms — his sect runs campaigns against drug and alcohol abuse, supports sex workers and provides relief, often extensive, in the wake of natural disasters.

His story and that of his sect are a cautionary tale in respect of charismatic figures that can rise to prominence and considerable power and influence. Although Pakistan has seen charismatic figures rise and fall there has never been the ‘godlike’ elevation seen with Singh, and analysts observe that the monotheism of Islam in a Muslim-majority state serves as an effective ‘innoculation’ against any such figure emerging here. That said there are figures that can and do attract vast crowds that on occasion have become destructive. Fortunately this is rare, and despite the occasional volatility of the populace restraint generally prevails, the event is short lived and sanity returns.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2017.

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