A New India
Chapter 270 - 270: Riots

Parliament, after days of chaos and fiery debates, had suddenly leaned towards consensus on the State Reorganization Bill.

Prime Minister Rohan sat in his office, an expression of disbelief on his face as he replayed the day's events in his mind.

But soon he will have answer, everyone of them.

As he leaned back in his chair, Neeraj walked in briskly, holding a thick file.

His face betrayed urgency. "Sir, you need to see this."

Rohan frowned, taking the file.

Inside were intelligence reports, photographs, and urgent communiqués from across the country.

Riots had broken out in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and other states.

Crowds were assembling in cities and towns, armed with makeshift weapons.

Small-scale violence was rapidly escalating, with reports of arson and clashes with local authorities.

"What is this?" Rohan asked sharply, flipping through the pages.

Neeraj's voice was low. "Sir, the situation is worse than we thought. Arms are being distributed, crude bombs are being made, and there's evidence of organized support behind these riots. Local intelligence believes political hands are involved."

Rohan's face darkened.

He rose from his chair and strode to the phone on his desk. "Get Rao and Atma here. Now. And summon the Police Commissioner immediately."

Within the hour, K.N. Rao, the head of R&AW, Atma Prakash, the IB Chief, and Delhi's Police Commissioner entered Rohan's office.

The air was tense, the room charged with anticipation.

Rohan gestured for them to sit, but his tone left no room for pleasantries.

"We have a crisis," he began, laying the intelligence reports on the table. "Riots have broken out in multiple states. Weapons are being distributed, and there's evidence of organized involvement. I need answers."

Rao, spoke first. "Sir, we've been tracking these developments for weeks, but the scale and coordination have escalated rapidly over the past 48 hours. Our sources indicate that several local political leaders are fueling the unrest. They're using this bill as a pretext to ignite regional tensions."

Atma leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "And it's not just about the riots, sir. These leaders are aligning themselves with larger power plays. With elections coming up next year, their goal is to weaken the government's position by creating an atmosphere of instability."

Rohan's eyes narrowed. "Are you saying this is politically motivated?"

Rao nodded grimly. "Yes, sir. And not just by opposition parties. Some factions within your own allies are complicit. They see this as an opportunity to undermine your authority."

The Police Commissioner, visibly uncomfortable, added, "Sir, the situation on the ground is deteriorating fast. In Punjab, the riots are being fueled by rumors that the division of the state will lead to economic collapse. In Bihar, caste dynamics are being exploited. And in Uttar Pradesh, religious sentiments are being weaponized. If we don't act decisively, this could spiral out of control."

Rohan clenched his fists, pacing the room. "And what about the arms? Where are they coming from?"

Atma replied, "Mostly local manufacturing, sir. Small workshops in rural areas are producing crude bombs and firearms. But we've also intercepted reports of smuggled weapons coming in through porous borders."

Neeraj, who had been silently taking notes, interjected, "Sir, we need to act now. But coming down hard on these riots could have political repercussions. The opposition will accuse us of authoritarianism, and the voters might turn against us."

Rohan stopped pacing, turning to face Neeraj. "Do you think I care about votes right now? This isn't about politics; this is about the country. If we let this chaos continue, there won't be a country left to govern."

Rao leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Sir, you're right. But the opposition is banking on you overreacting. If we launch a heavy crackdown, they'll use it to paint you as a dictator. They're waiting for that narrative."

Rohan's voice was cold. "Then what do you suggest? Sit back and watch the country burn?"

Atma spoke cautiously. "No, sir. But we need to be strategic. First, we need to cut off their supply chains both weapons and funding. Second, we need to identify the key instigators and neutralize them quietly. No grand arrests, no public displays. Just efficient, silent action."

The Police Commissioner added, "And we need to restore public trust. Deploying more police and military isn't enough. We need to communicate with the people, address their fears, and counter the misinformation being spread."

Rohan sat down, his hands steepled in thought. "So, you're suggesting a two-pronged approach. Crack down on the logistics behind these riots while simultaneously winning back the public."

Rao nodded. "Exactly, sir. But it won't be easy. The instigators are well-connected, and some are even shielded by state governments."

Rohan's jaw tightened. "Then it's time to remind them who governs this country. I want a list of names every politician, bureaucrat, or businessman involved in this. I don't care how powerful they are. If they're fueling this unrest, they'll answer for it."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of Rohan's words sinking in.

Neeraj broke the silence. "Sir, what about the media? They're already amplifying the riots. If we don't control the narrative, this will snowball further."

Rohan's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Let the media do what they want. The truth will speak louder than their headlines. Once we restore order, they'll have no choice but to report it."

The Police Commissioner hesitated before speaking. "Sir, one more thing. With elections next year, there's a risk that any action we take now could polarize voters further. How do we balance immediate action with long-term political stability?"

Rohan's voice was firm. "We don't. Stability isn't built on appeasement. If we compromise now, we'll be setting a precedent for chaos. Let the people judge me for what I do, not for what I avoid doing."

Rao glanced at Atma, who nodded. "In that case, sir, we'll need full authority to act decisively. No interference, no delays."

Rohan's gaze was steely. "You have it. But remember, this isn't just about crushing riots. It's about sending a message that no one, not even the most powerful, is above the law."

The meeting ended with a clear plan of action. As the officials left the room, Rohan turned to Neeraj. "Tell the Cabinet to stay prepared. This isn't just a fight for governance. It's a fight for the soul of this country."

Neeraj nodded, sensing the seriousness of the moment. "Yes, sir. I'll make the arrangements."