Why should only “stampede” be held responsible for the death of more than 100 people at the so-called “religious” gathering at Hathras in Uttar Pradesh (UP) earlier this month (July 2)? This is not the first time that India has witnessed a tragedy of this nature. But the latter point makes it all the more essential to deliberate on what leads to such stampedes. If adequate attention had been paid to this aspect, many lives may have been saved. Yes, India is home to the largest population. And perhaps in no other country do crowds seem to display so much frenzy as they do here over “religious/spiritual” magnitude of what appeals to them. At the same time, there is no denying that Indian authorities are well aware about this “religious” trend. It is not without reason that politicians in general tend to play on this “weakness” of people by trying to make their “religious” strategies an essential part of their electoral campaigns.
In India, electoral campaigns are also witness to large crowds at key politicians’ rallies, etc. This point is being taken note of as India has just been through this phase. What stands out that elaborate arrangements were made during this phase and despite thousands and more at these gatherings, there weren’t any reports of any stampede. Of course, the concerned authorities should be complimented for this. But this also compels one to point out that they cannot be blamed for not being aware about managing large crowds. They certainly seem to be. If they are, it is indeed necessary to take note of possible factors that lead to tragedies such as stampede at Hathras.
It cannot be ignored that to a degree, possible lapse was displayed in permitting a crowd of 250,000 wherein permission was granted for only 80,000. However, considering the factors which reportedly led to this stampede, even a smaller crowd may have led to a similar tragedy. Yes, as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati has pointed out that people should not give “importance” to self-made Babas as they seem to have given to Bhole Baba. People’s “emotions” cannot be controlled. The same cannot, however, be said about the stampede. Adequate arrangements weren’t apparently made to control and check as well as keep people organized. Even if Bhole Baba is self-made and as claimed by some- a fake Baba, the fact that he attracted a large crowd certainly cannot be ignored. Neither can that of permission having been granted for a crowd of 80,000.
Authorities were certainly well aware of the scheduled “religious” program, its venue and the expected crowd. Were basic security issues given any importance or not? As reports indicate, a large tent had been constructed without sufficient arrangements for exit points in case of any emergency. The tent did not have capacity for 250,000 people. Irrespective of whether Bhole Baba is fake or not, any event with a large gathering also demands security checks regarding exit points, arrangements for fire-brigades as well as ambulances, ahead of it taking place. These measures were apparently not considered. The only point that seems to have been considered is that of granting permission for the “religious” event to take place. This was an annual meeting organized by a trust run by Suraj Pal, Bhole Baba or Narayan Sakar Vishwa Hari for his followers, largely Dalits,
Incidentally, if this tragic stampede had not occurred, not many across the country and the world would probably have even learned about their being a “self-styled” Guru, known as Bhole Baba. Of course, more “news” value has been added to this stampede and of there being a Bhole Baba by his talking about a “conspiracy” behind this tragedy. Tacit attempts made to politicize the issue or try and remain apolitical about the same are least to play any role in reducing sufferings of those affected by the stampede. So far, while politicians at large have expressed concern about the tragedy, they have not taken Bhole Baba’s name with exception of Mayawati. She has openly done so and has even described him as a “fake” Baba. She probably fears the risk of his limited strength eroding her declining base among Dalits. The same may be said about other leaders who probably fear that naming him may be viewed as equivalent to their targeting certain Dalits. Irrespective of what is and has been “conspired” politically and probably shall be with an eye on state’s assembly elections, what remains clear is that this event was allowed to be held without prior attention being paid to basic security issues, which have been mentioned earlier. In addition, the nature of religious frenzy which can move groups of people assembled together cannot be sidelined. If only 80,0000 people had been permitted inside the tent and more than double the number restricted from entering, chaotic situation surfacing because of 170,000 being angered and so forth may have led to even a high number of deaths.
With respect to lapses leading to stampede, from one angle, organizers are to be blamed for not making adequate arrangements to handle crowds gathered for the event. Equally responsible are probably the concerned authorities for not paying adequate attention to ensuring that basic security arrangements had been taken care of. It seems, precautionary measures were not taken either by organizers of the event or by local authorities, both apparently choosing to be almost oblivious of the danger they were fuelling. They probably did not even consider the same. Why? The question is not simply that of why did the stampede occur at Hathras leading to more than 100 deaths. Of greater significance is the reality that it could have been checked.
Yes, whatever may be said and/or written, the death cannot be brought back to life. But before similar tragedies occur, adherence to certain rules, security codes and so forth should be made compulsory for organizers of functions, which attract large crowds. Indian authorities are certainly well-versed in handling large groups of people as displayed during the recent current electoral phase. But, what restrained the local authorities from handling the crowd at Hathras?