India, the land of the unexpected!
We were looking forward to being back at the Maratha Colony today and hopefully visit with some of the production groups we haven’t met yet. But India had something else planned.
Apparently, the government approved a fuel price increase and the opposition party responded with calling a massive strike. We have already experienced once when the rikshaws and cabs were striking in Mumbai, but this time it was much bigger. And much uglier.
The nationwide strike involved not only all public transportation, but also airports, schools, stores and so many other places. Kolkata and Mumbai were the worst hit and saw violent protests. 1000 people were detained in Mumbai alone and 78 busses damaged. People on the few busses that were initially still driving were met with stones thrown at them and the police countered the violent protesters with batons and sticks. Rikshaws and busses were set on fire and the damage is immense. One of the train stations we go by each morning to work saw some of the worst activities. We were advised by two people to stay inside no matter what. Don’t worry.
I do like the news commentator’s statement this afternoon. She mentioned that the strike was supposed to end tonight and cautioned that the local trains would be overcrowded. In contrast to..??
So, instead we stayed put and as my morning passed by, my thoughts were with my family who at that point were celebrating 4th July evening with grilling, fireworks, and family.
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