My country (India, for those who don't know) is currently taking steps to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Three days ago, our blessed Prime Minister addressed the nation [skip to 5:00 in; there are subtitles]. He called us his friends (as he does) and he asked us for two things: resolve and restraint. He said he needed us to be able to follow the directives of our government. He spoke about the challenges of a pandemic with no cure or vaccine hitting a country of our size. He told us he needed us all to come together if we were to get through this as a nation.

He spoke of sacrifice and adjustment, mentioning blackouts during the world war that he'd experienced as a child. He told us he was going to institute a "people's curfew", for one day, as a "trial". He asked us to stay indoors from 7 AM to 9 PM. He asked us to step out, at 5PM for 5 minutes, onto balconies and out of doorways, to ring bells and bang utensils together, as a mark of recognition for every worker on the front line of fighting this pandemic.

Over the next two days, States closed their road borders, airports and international travel were shut down, trains were cancelled across the city. All of these measures are supposed to last only till the end of the month, but with no actual policies shared yet (specifically with respect to los of livelihood), the repercussions for vulnerable populations have been frightening. Migrant and seasonal workers have fled cities fearing an uncertain future. Stories pop up here and there about domestic help let go for the foreseeable future, with no other means of income.

By all accounts this curfew was successful. Cities were by and large peaceful. The middle class enjoyed their day indoors. I feel like I am the only person in my circles who feels suspicious of the reasons behind it. The enforcement of the curfew was left upto individual states, and already there are reports of police brutality against individuals found "violating" it. Our country has been in the throes of civil disobedience and protest for months, and in one fell swoop our government has erased that discussion. Our Prime Minister and his cabal had made it very clear in the time before the virus that they saw certain sections of society as disposable and I can't help but worry about how they could use this emergency to enact that.

While most friends and acquaintances see the 5PM soundmaking as a way for the country to come together and appreciate those who are putting their lives at risk (a friend said his cousin and his wife, both doctors, were brought to tears at the applause), my cynical self only sees it as our PM virtue signalling to Western countries that we too have solidarity, manufacturing consent of his public so he knows how well they will listen to his next instruction.

My personal existence is currently a shambles so I have no idea if I'm going crazy, if all the quotes from They Thought They Were Free and It Can't Happen Here have addled my brain to where I see fascism wherever I turn. I don't know if my cynical responses are inappropriate given the frightening realities and threats that COVID-19 poses (and considering that I'm not one of those whose tremendous sacrifices were being feted). I constantly feel like I'm going to get myself dead one way or another and that is a deeply unnerving feeling.

I don't know if I'm writing this expecting reassurance or a reality check, or even if I expect responses at all. I just know this is one of the only spaces I can write this all out without fear of reprisals.

Stay safe, everyone. <3

Edit: added link