Jammu and Kashmir has been plunged into utter chaos and uncertainty after the security forces gunned down the Hizbul poster boy, Burhan Wani, on Friday.
At least 17 people including a policeman have been killed and more than 150 injured in the subsequent violence that followed. A curfew has been imposed across the valley and the mobile internet network has banned. The Amarnath Yatra was suspended for two days.
The BJP has been receiving plenty of flak for the inept handling of the situation by its government in the valley.
Just when Kashmir is on the boil and people expected a leadership from the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the latter’s video of drumming in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania was flashed by media.
With Modi busy showcasing his drumming skills while Kashmir burned, social media users found the act incredibly insensitive. Many likened Modi to the 1st century Roman emperor Nero, who was accused of playing music while nearly 75% of Rome burned leaving a large section of its population homeless.
Social media users have been angry because Modi showcasing his drumming skills came at a time when a crisis of this magnitude grappled an Indian state, he so passionately campaigned in to win elections there. To connect and win the hearts of people in the valley, Modi had even celebrated Diwali in the state.
Should Modi have cancelled his African trip? Many would think yes, he ought to have cut short his trip to return home to provide leadership.
That’s what a caring leader does and there has been plenty of precedents in the recent times. On Saturday, President Barack Obama cancelled his trip to Europe midway after the Dallas shooting, which left just 5 officers dead.
In 2012, when London burned because of racial riots, Prime Minister David Cameron cancelled his trip midway to return home primarily to provide leadership and also to establish that he cared about his people.
And examples are plenty. It’s, therefore not surprising why social media has erupted on the perceived insensitivity of the prime minister.
Here are some reactions from Facebook:
Sylvia Karpagam: He is playing the funeral note for democracy and justice
Ravi L Bhatnagar: That suits him best….Modi Band..
Abhishek Agrawal: Shame! Shame on modi. Real shame.
Mirza Raza Abbas: Mann ki baat – Difference between the leaders of US & India. Obama cut short his visit in Europe due to the riot & killing of 4 policemen. While Modi is still continuing his futile tour of Africa in spite of Kashmir valley burning 16 civilian and 3 policemen missing in action.
Leadership lessons: Obama cuts short Europe visit after Dallas killings: https://t.co/NCpbxeie9i
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 10, 2016
Obama to Cut Short European trip to visit disturbed Dallas
Modi enjoying in Africa while Kashmir is burningDifference between 2 leader…
— भयंकर लोग (@BhayankarLog) July 10, 2016
If Obama can cut short his visit,why can't MODI do the same while Kashmir is burning ?It shows his insensitivity https://t.co/hK97GfiutB
— Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) July 10, 2016
In last 24 hours #PM #Modi has regularly updated about his #Africa tour & also wished #Rajnath on his B'day. But not a whisper on #Kashmir.
— Friends of Congress (@friendscongress) July 10, 2016
Obama receives news of Dallas.Cuts short Europe trip &will visit Dallas.Modi receives Kashmir news.Continues drama pic.twitter.com/GE4mpJvRU1
— Shishir Singh (@Shishir_Singh76) July 10, 2016
Nero fiddled while Rome burnt!
Emperor Modi plays the drum while India burns! https://t.co/V6oko1T3rr
— Roy Sânkar ? ? ? (@roy5ankar) July 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/PublicProsector/status/752040264718438400
Do we have to watch this circus everytime Modi goes globe trotting ?This Nero plays drum instead of a fiddle though https://t.co/JNWXixeAgQ
— Stuti (@StutiM26) July 10, 2016
Whenever there is some serious problem in India,you will always find Modi outside India-Nero.Its not #OmarRuinsKashmir but Modi 's misrule.
— Paras Tandon (@parastandon) July 10, 2016
https://twitter.com/Modi_Bakth/status/752057164298989568
Kashmir; 17 Killed, 250 civilians including cops Injured,3 cops missing.Did Modi make a Statement? Kashmir Integral part of India. NO?
— Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) July 10, 2016