First Ignite the Fire, Then Pretend to Extinguish It

A Message on National Security, Responsible Freedom, and the Unity of Bharat

“First burn, and then douse down the fire” — this appears to be a formula that is repeatedly employed in different parts of the world. Create unrest, fuel divisions, provoke confrontations, weaken public confidence, and then step forward as a peacemaker, claiming to be the one who can restore peace and normalcy.

The greatest danger of such a strategy lies in its deceptive appearance. Those who contribute to creating instability may later present themselves as defenders of peace. By the time the truth becomes apparent, society may already have suffered considerable damage to its unity, harmony, security, and collective confidence.

Bharat, with its civilisational heritage, democratic institutions, cultural diversity, and strategic importance, must remain vigilant against every attempt to disturb its peace and weaken its national unity. Our country has survived numerous challenges throughout its long history. Its strength lies not merely in its military capabilities or economic progress, but also in the resilience of its people, the wisdom of its constitutional institutions, and their collective commitment to the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.

However, vigilance must be accompanied by wisdom. Every disagreement is not disloyalty, every protest is not anarchy, and every criticism of the Government is not an attack on the nation. A mature democracy must possess the confidence to distinguish between legitimate dissent and deliberate attempts to incite violence, spread hatred, undermine public order, or encourage unlawful activities.

Those who deliberately engage in anti-national violence, organise unlawful activities, incite communal hostility, or attempt to destabilise society must face just, proportionate, and lawful action. No individual or organisation should enjoy immunity merely because it claims a particular ideology, influence, association, or political affiliation. At the same time, no person should be branded an enemy of the nation merely for expressing a peaceful and lawful opinion.

The rule of law must prevail over personal vengeance, political prejudice, and arbitrary authority. Justice must be firm where necessary, fair in every circumstance, and impartial in its application.

Freedom of speech is a precious democratic right, but it must be exercised with responsibility. In India, this freedom is constitutionally protected under Article 19(1)(a), subject to the reasonable restrictions permitted by Article 19(2). The Constitution therefore recognises both the importance of free expression and the necessity of safeguarding legitimate interests such as the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, public order, and other constitutionally specified grounds.

Freedom must never become a convenient excuse for inciting violence. Equally, national security must never become an excuse for silencing lawful criticism. The distinction between dissent and destruction must be maintained through constitutional principles, credible evidence, due process, and independent judicial scrutiny.

Bharat does not need hatred to demonstrate its strength. It does not need intolerance to defend its identity. It needs alert citizens, responsible public representatives, impartial law-enforcement agencies, an independent judiciary, and a society that refuses to be manipulated by those who profit from division.

Let us not allow anyone to ignite a fire among our people and subsequently claim the honour of extinguishing it. Let us recognise the danger before the flames spread, protect our national interests without abandoning our constitutional values, and preserve the harmony that is essential to our collective future.

Our message must be clear: Peace without weakness, vigilance without paranoia, freedom without irresponsibility, and justice without discrimination.

Let Bharat remain united, strong, peaceful, progressive, and faithful to its constitutional ideals. Let every citizen remember that the protection of our motherland is not merely the responsibility of the Government or the armed forces; it is also a duty of every responsible citizen.

Jai Hind!
Vande Mataram!

Ashok Kumar Singh
Advocate, High Court, Calcutta