There is a thin line between being alert and spreading panic. Let us be careful while treading this line
There is a thin line between being alert and spreading panic. Let us be careful while treading this line. Besides causing unwanted panic, the recent Uran episode triggered wild rumours on social media platforms, including one about the entire Girgaum-Chowpatty stretch being shut down immediately in anticipation of attacks.
Now, with the Uran scare throwing its shadow everywhere, it was reported recently that Malwani locals panicked upon spotting a foreigner walking at Tarkali beach. What added to the panic was that the man had covered his backpack with a jacket. Although the man fled on being cornered by locals, cops, during interrogation, found that he was an Israeli tourist. He was simply out for some sightseeing and had his papers in order too.
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In this zippy and often irresponsible hi-tech age, we are repeatedly told to be alert and be wary of suspicious objects or persons. While the same should be instinctive, we should be able to temper feelings of panic and avoid knee jerk reactions. Let’s not scare or chase away our foreign tourists or even make them feel unsafe in our country.
A measured response would perhaps be more appropriate, where you point out your suspicions to the authorities. It is important to learn through study and research about how to react to suspicious objects or people. It is vital to have various numbers on us. We also need to display restraint and an understanding of the ramifications of our actions when reacting to suspicions.
Full marks for being alert and aware, but cops too are hard pressed for time. Inundating them with bogus leads or baseless doubts and accusations could be counterproductive. It may be a difficult task, but let’s try to retain an agile, alert mind without causing unwanted panic.
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