‘Threat Culture’ or Epidemic of Intimidation in Bengal’s Society | Manas Mukul Bandyopdhyay

Let us start the article by explaining the word ‘threat’ at the very beginning. A threat is a statement or action that intends to inflict harm, damage, or injury to someone or something, either physically, emotionally or psychologically, and threats can be: i) Verbal (insults, intimidation), ii) Non-verbal (gestures, body language), iii) Written (letters, emails, messages), Physical (violence, assault) etc. and threats may be of many types like i) Direct Threat: Explicitly states harm or injury, ii) Indirect Threat: Implies harm or injury without directly stating it. iii) Veiled Threat: Conceals the intent behind a seemingly harmless statement, etc.

Now, a threat can occur in various situations including i) Conflict or disagreement, ii) Power imbalance (bullying, harassment), iii) Emotional or psychological manipulation), iv) Extortion or coercion, v) Personal or professional rivalry, vi) Social or cultural tensions, vii) Political or ideological differences, etc. and the consequences of threats are a. Fear and anxiety, b. Emotional distress, c. Physical harm, d. Danage to relationships or reputation, e. Loss of trust or confidence, etc.

WHAT IS ‘THREAT CULTURE’? Actually, threat culture refers to a social environment where individuals or groups perceive and respond to threats, real or imagined, in a way that shapes their behaviours, interactions, and decisions. This sort of culture can manifest in various contexts. This article explores the harmful effects of ‘threat culture’ on Bengal’s social fabric, examining its impact, consequences, and implications for the community as a whole. Newspapers and journals these days are filled with stories of threats, bombings, shootings and even murders, posing a significant obstacle to our healthy and thriving culture. Nevertheless, the fact that these incidents are occurring in society is precisely why they are receiving ample media coverage.-Some newspaper articles have shed light on these matters, offering insightful observations. For example, the Telegraph article entitled, ‘TMC’s intimidation tactics (Oct 2022)’ highlights the alleged intimidation tactics used by the TMC against opposition parties in West Bengal. Another article (Telegraph, August 2022), ‘Politics of fear grips Bengal’ discusses the growing fear and intimidation in West Bengal’s politics. The Hindu, in one article, ‘West Bengal’s slide into lawlessness (June 2022)’ examines the rising instances of violence and intimidation in West Bengal. ‘Bengal’s politics of vendetta’ is another article in The Hindu (April 2022) which analyses the alleged vendetta politics practiced by the ruling TMC. The Indian Express investigates the growing fear and silence among citizens, opposition parties and journalists in WB through the article ‘In West Bengal, a culture of fear and silence’ (September 2022). One article captioned, ‘TMC’s strong- arm tactics’ in the Indian Express (July 2022) reports on the alleged strong-arm tactics used by the TMC to suppress opposition. The Hindustan Times, in an article titled, ‘West Bengal’s threat culture: Politics of intimidation (November 2022), also observes the growing threat culture in West Bengal’s politics. Again, another article captioned ‘Bengal’s opposition faces TMC’s wrath (May 2022) highlights the alleged attacks and intimidation faced by opposition parties in West Bengal.

It is interesting to note that this ‘threat’ is not only confined to the socio-political sphere, but is gradually permeating the wider sphere of the system, which is a matter of great concern. The term ‘Threat Culture’ has gained widespread attention very recently, particularly in light of the heinous murder and rape of a junior doctor (Avaya) at the R G Kar Hospital and Medical College in Kolkata on 9 August, 2024. This specific incident sparked widespread outrage and discussions on the prevailing culture of threat and violence, and safety concerns, particularly in professionals’ workplaces.

Although ‘threat culture’ is observed in different areas of society, the perception of the existence of ‘threat’ has become a pressing concern in contemporary West Bengal, particularly in the realms of politics and professions. But it must be kept in mind that there is no reason to think ‘threatening’ was not the case in the previous regimes at all. It was not so much out in the open or blatant as it is now. ‘Threatening’ has now become a norm in West Bengal. This phenomenon is characterized by the pervasive use of intimidation, violence, and coercion to achieve political or personal goals, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty among citizens.

In the context of West Bengal politics, this culture of ‘threatening’ has been perpetuated by various factors, including the dominance of strongmen and local goons in the political space, who often operate with impunity due to political patronage. This has led to a normalisation of the ‘violence and intimidation’ that exists in Bengali society, with many citizens feeling compelled to conform to certain political ideologies or face consequences.

In the professional space, the healthcare sector has also been affected, with medical professionals facing threats and harassment from various quarters, including politicians, local leaders, and even patients’ families. This has resulted in a crisis of confidence among healthcare workers, many of whom feel vulnerable and unsupported. It is very much there in the real estate sector too in Bengal and the transport sector as well.

The ‘threat culture’ in West Bengal has its roots in the State’s complex history, including the legacy of colonial rule, the partition of India, and the subsequent influx of refugees. These events have contributed to social and economic tensions, which have been exploited by various groups to perpetuate a culture of fear and intimidation. Several social and economic factors have also contributed to the prevalence of ‘threat culture’ in West Bengal. These include:

1 Poverty and Unemployment: Widespread poverty and unemployment have created an environment in which people are more susceptible to exploitation and manipulation.

2 Lack of Effective Governance: Inadequate law enforcement and ineffective governance, along with corruption have allowed this culture of ‘threat’ to flourish, with many perpetrators operating without fear. In todays corrupt atmosphere, threats and violence thrive smoothly; they bring desired results.

3 Cultural Normalisation: The pervasive use of violence and intimidation has become normal and socially acceptable in West Bengal, with many citizens viewing it as an acceptable means of achieving goals.

It is essential to note here that these factors are interconnected and can exacerbate each other. Addressing the root causes of these issues is crucial to mitigating the culture of ‘threat and intimidation’ in West Bengal.The consequences of continuing ‘threat’ and ‘intimidation’ based social systems can be far-reaching and devastating for the State economically. The obvious fallouts are:

1 A Rotten Political Climate: For many decades now, the political landscape of West Bengal has been complex, with allegations of intimidations and violence against opposition parties and individuals, no matter which party is in power.

2 Erosion of Trust: The pervasive use of threats and intimidation has eroded trust in institutions, including government, law enforcement, and healthcare.

3 Human Rights Violations: ‘Threat culture’ has led to numerous human rights violations, including physical harm, emotional trauma, and loss of livelihood as well as often lives.

4 Social Unrest: The normalisation and acceptance of violence and intimidation has contributed to invisible unrest, with many citizens feeling fearful and uncertain as to their future. This fear and economic disparities, and cultural tensions may contribute to an environment where threats and intimidation become more common, in attempts to styme opposition to any threat. In order to contain this culture of ‘threat’, some civic and democratic steps are necessary:

i) Strengthen Governance: Effective law enforcement and governance are critical to preventing the perpetuation of ‘threat’.

ii) Promote Education and Awareness: Educating citizens about the consequences of this culture of intimidation and promoting awareness about human rights can help to create a more informed and empowered society.

iii) Support Vulnarable Groups: Providing government and citizen support and protection to vulnerable groups, including healthcare workers and other sections of society is crucial to mitigating the effects of ‘threat’.

Ultimately, addressing this culture of intimidation in West Bengal requires a multifaceted approach that involves government, civil society, and individuals working together to create a more just and equitable society.

(Author: Manas Mukul Bandyopdhyay (MPhil, PhD) is Associate Professor (WBES), Political Science (Retired), Chandernagore College, Hooghly- 712136, West Bengal, India)