Lessons from the Mumbai Local Train Riot

No one who has lived in Mumbai for an extended period of time would ever want to be in the city when local trains come to a standstill, like it did on January 2nd, 2015.

Two trains developed technical snags on the Central line of the bustling and very, very busy network of local trains during peak hours. Angry commuters poured out on to the tracks, blocking train traffic completely. There was agitation. Frustration. Police tried to control the swelling mob. It turned violent. Stations were vandalized. Theft. Arson. By the people. No one would want to be caught in that whirlpool. But it happened anyway.

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One can sympathise at the loss of time, money and property that happened to each of these thousands and at the damage they caused to their own (government) property. We, as observers, could take time to reflect on “Chaotic Friday”. Here are some things that caught my attention. This post is in no way trying to put down Mumbai or it’s people. I love that city and some of my close friends stay there. The following are facts that could be true of even you and me. If you are interested, please add further thoughts in the comments section:

1. When people do not get things which they believe are their rights, expect a lot of anger.

2. Give people assurance that they won’t be caught in their crime & they will act in ways that reveal a ghastly attitude. The friendly college student will stone a cop. The next-door uncle will steal government cash if there are no cameras watching. Like someone said,

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“Character is who you are, when you are in the dark”

3. I wonder if anyone did try to pacify their irate co-passengers. I wonder if such voices of reason were shut by further anger or even physical force. If you stood out as a voice of reason & calm,  hats off to you.

4. Faith in the singular fact that God almighty is in total control of the day, can go a long way in calming frayed nerves. All the more reason why the good news of Christ is one of peace with God & the only cure for men’s sinful nature.

5. Next time when we warm ourselves with articles explaining the camaraderie on trains in India, it’s good to remember the Rs. 70,000 cash & the Rs.50,000 worth coupons stolen from Diva railway station and the tornado of chaos that points to a deep-running problem we, the people, represent.

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