North Indians jittery as anti-migrant feeling rises

JOB LOSS? Migrants in Mumbai are willing to take up jobs traditionally considered menial by Maharashtrians.

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Mumbai: The anti-North Indian violence in Maharashtra has led to a feeling of insecurity among the community in the state.

Mahesh Gupta came to Mumbai 20 years ago with his father and his small business has now grown into a popular eatery in the suburb of Lower Parel. But after 20 years in Mumbai, Gupta is a wary man as he sees the increasing numbers of hate crimes against North Indians.

The only North Indian in a Maharashtrian chawl, he is unwilling even to come face to face with his fear.

"Don't ask me about all this. I can't talk about this violence," Mahesh says.

He avoids question related to anti-North Indian violence even as he winds up an order for an activist of the Shiv Sena, the party that made its fortune on identity politics.

Mahesh and his brothers are scared of even sharing their fears on camera and many more like them fear that even after decades of earning a living in the city of dreams, the only lives they have known, it all might fall apart.

Migrants, who have always been willing to take up jobs traditionally considered menial by Maharashtrians, are now feeling the brunt of the prevailing anti-migrant sentiment, which is being stoked by regional political parties and their violent means.

"After the anti-North India violence started we are very scared to go any where in Mumbai," says a North Indian taxi driver.

"It is not only the North Indians who have suffered but other communities too have suffered," says another Mumbai resident.

The city's faith in the ability of the police force to protect the North Indian community, too, has taken a beating.

"Why are they allowing Mumbai to be held ransom like this? The Urbus Prima of India. I feel ashamed!" says social activist Teesta Setalvad.

As politicians get ready to have a field day during the Chhath Puja festivities due next week, common men like Mahesh go through the daily business of their lives in fear.

(With inputs from Shoaib Ahmed)