The Ambiguity of a Combing Operation

“The disturbed land”, the article on the local newspaper brings chills to Peaky’s peaceful life since long. Tears roll down her cheeks as she experiences a flashback of the day she witnessed a combing operation at a tender age. Combing operation generally refers to a military operation in the lookout of any suspect at any random place.

Strikes, protests, bandhs, curfews were common during those days. In spite of this, it pains Peaky to realize there was no specific reason for the occurrence that fateful day.

As usual, Peaky was basking in the sun when suddenly, a few men in uniform entered their courtyard. She shivered at the sight, unable to ask anything. Sensing trouble, her mother pulled her aside. Their old home housed an attic below the pitched roof. The operation was carried out in full swing in the locality. Everyone was assembled at the central area, the old and the young alike. No one was exempted.

The military men stood at the threshold of Peaky’s house. One quick glance at the loft was about to make them question her father, when something unusual struck them which left them spellbound. Just beneath the attic, at the central pivotal spot of the lobby, hung the portrait painting of ‘Swami Vivekananda’. It was made by her father.

To everyone’s surprise, the painting spared them the haunting agony, usually accompanied with such operations. Nonetheless, her bachelor uncle was summoned to be present at the locality’s club area. He was let go after a few interrogative sessions.

Such an incident at childhood often leaves scars in one’s mind. However, the innocent Peaky believed in prayers. Every evening, she would pray for a better and peaceful Manipur.

The prayers of a young and pure mind are seldom left unanswered. Over the years, Peaky’s city gained momentum towards constructive works. People became more focused on collective progress. The number of curfews and strikes reduced exponentially. Although, time and again, unrests, outbreaks do take place.

As an adult, Peaky still tries to understand the happenstance of that combing operation.

“Was it really necessary?” she frequently questions herself. However, it seemed rather ambiguous. She concludes certain things are beyond our understanding. They are better left that way. She continues praying as she has always been.

Amen!