EVENT [MN]: 2006 Financial Crisis Protests - India

[Connor]

Crowds begin to accumulate in Raisina Hill, India​

'Financial Crisis'. Two words that are often spilled from the mouths of the media and those with little knowledge of international economics. Two words that have similarly run through conversations in cabinet offices worldwide as India and Russia simultaneously reach levels of debt unprecedented in modern economics - certainly levels that haven't been seen for over a decade. One thing is for certain however: the coffers are well and truly empty. The public want answers... and quickly.

As the run rises in New Delhi, the flood of reports in relation to the financial situation in India have started feeding the minds of activists throughout the country from the Himalayas right down to the Laccadive Sea. Social media oney fed this storm as groups throughout the country agree a place and time to make their voice heard. Their target? The Indian Ministry of Finance, conveniently housed within Cabinet Secretariat, Raisina Hill, New Delhi alongside many of the most important offices and ministries of the Government of India - all with their own individual and carefully curated piece of the pie. Through their various forums, blogs, websites and social media platforms the time and place was agreed - the vast open space of Raisina Hill meant they were sure to be heard if they came out in force. Initially, a group of approximately 400 activists would join together. They wanted their cause to be seen and heard, so they wasted no time in creating their own placards: some were painted at home on their dining tables, some printed in professional formats and some choosing a permanent marker on whatever material they could get their hands on. The international public media would be tipped off prior to their arrival, alongside a number of not-so-subtle Twitter posts to add to the mission. Peaceful protest was their objective: holding their government to account.

The group, having made their way to New Delhi by whatever means was easiest for them, would all meet outside the Cabinet Secretariat. Their banners, flags and placards clear to see.

Initially, they would begin to swarm the main entrance to the building, linking arms across the public sidewalks as if they were part of some form of dancing flash mob. Their demeanour was calm, inviting and pure. They would actively ensure passive obstruction to the general movement of personnel and members of the public seeking services in the key government facility albeit not so much so that they'd totally prevent access.

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The Finance Department had been in crisis-control mode ever since the news of the country's financial state had leaked. Many government personnel, of all Departments, had been put on temporary probation or had left on their own prerogative as salaries was unable to be paid and the utilities of government buildings were unable to be secured.

As the crowd approaches the Cabinet Secretariat's outer cordon, the small group of Delhi Police that hadn't deserted their post would read the posters, look at each other and join the activists in both protesting, or protecting the activists. As the outer protection of the Cabinet Secretariat, the protestors would have to get through what remains of the Central Industrial Security Force's security presence to enter the buildings and disrupt the government.

As the group of over 700 protestors approached within 20 metres of the Cabinet Secretariat, headed by the few armed Police, the CISF personnel would stop the group. Raising their rifles slightly, they would be ordered by their superior to physically block the protesters and Police from moving forward. Exchanging glances with one another, the CISF personnel would notice the peaceful nature of the protestors and start questioning whether their job was worth their dignity and respect, and more importantly, the dignity and respect of their fellow Indians.

Seeing these looks, their superior officer yelled over the dim at the security personnel, "Your country is behind you! Hold!" The security personnel would put their rifles back on safe, then would hold them by their barrel shroud and turn to let the protestors into the Cabinet Secretariat. The CISF officer would pull out his pistol and would widely aim it at the protesters and Police, before being punched and knocked out by the second-in-command of the CISF detachment.

Once entering the building, the activists would find it almost devoid of people, as the government couldn't afford to keep people manning the Cabinet Secretariat's power stations, nor could they afford to keep the government buildings at even 50% staff.

Connor

 

[Bossza007]

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Statement on the 2006 Financial Crisis in the Gandhi Empire​

Published by the Republic Thai Embassy in New Delhi​

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The Republic Thai Embassy in New Delhi expresses its profound concern over the deepening sovereign default of the Gandhi Empire, in which the country has accumulated over 103 billion USD in debt. Such a number exceeds all USD in global circulation by more than a billion USD. This consequence of extremely irresponsible spending raises a pertinent question of the Gandhi Empire’s capacity to uphold its bilateral obligations as mandated by the Treaty of Amity with the Socialist Republic of Thailand.

As India’s key industrial sectors collapsed and halted essential production, Thailand must diversify new trading partners as India cannot deliver Copper Cathode, Copper Wiring, Rubber, and Plastic up to six percent lower than the market price to our democratically planned economy. The Republic Thai Embassy also cautions its citizens traveling inside India under a preferential 90-day visa-on-arrival arrangement. We are uncertain whether the Indian government can guarantee equal treatment of Thai passport holders akin to its citizens under a binding bilateral obligation.

The Socialist Republic of Thailand urges the Indian authorities to prioritize fundamental human rights and civil liberties in responding to the escalating protest in New Delhi. We remain convinced that the people are the sole arbiter of any nation’s sovereignty. Thailand’s obligation under the Treaty of Amity is resolute; we respect non-interference yet recognize cooperation is necessary to address regional issues of social injustice and economic inequality. The Republic Thai Embassy in New Delhi continues observing the unfolding situation in the Gandhi Empire and is ready to act as a safe sanctuary for any activists facing political persecution.​

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The Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Socialist Republic of Thailand​

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