Coercion and theft may top the list of the most commonly used words today . It is, however ironic, that all our society seems to resonate with the victims’ cries post snatching, yet its inevitability seems unquestionable. The most one can do is to show ceremonious sympathy with the wronged. But when it hits us; trust me, it hurts hard.
The widely familiar and perhaps most suitable term for the phenomenon is , Mobile snatching at GUNPOINT.
The mobile snatching hit our society more than a decade with somehow greater velocity than any of the epidemic has hit us so far.
We journalists wake up late, and so we reach office late. Thursday was just like any other day; I was on my way to work, still enjoying the pleasant Karachi breeze yet to turn intolerably humid as the couple summer season is approaching. I crossed Liaquatabad 10 number and stopped at the “Teen Hatti” signal. Those of you who are aware of the metropolis structure would understand that this is probably one of the most congested areas. Scores of cars, buses, rickshaws, van, bikes and every other sort of vehicles pass through it round the clock. You might fancy your luck if you are able to drive rush free even in the wee hours off night.
So, here I was in my car waiting for the signal to turn green. As a precaution I had pulled up the windows and turned on the AC. While I was surrounded by heavy vehicles from all four sides, there appeared, out of nowhere two young men in their early 20’s, took out TT and pistols from under their Kurtas and pointed towards my head. One from left and the other on right. No need to mention the question in their eyes. Having faced similar situation three times before, I knew their eyes were stuck on my Black Berry phone.
In moments like these, a zillion thoughts flash through one’s head in just a matter of a few seconds. Yes, it just takes a few seconds for all the dramas to unfold. During regular circumstances, I don’t happen to be someone who would let anyone walk away that easily with my belongings. But with two guns pointed straight at my head, I was virtually helpless.
The profile of the snatchers is usually the same – young men, low in fear and brutal at heart. They won’t waste another minute in pressing the trigger if the slightest of resistance is offered. I too could have resisted , but feared what would become of me if they actually did press their triggers?
God forbid, if I were no more, who would have taken care of my little heaven? With whom would my wife discuss those endless domestic issues and family politics? My elder son would have no one to proudly show the stars he got at school. My younger son is habitual of sleeping on my chest, would he find a peaceful sleep again?
It might have taken you a minute to read this, but all this went through my mind in those few split seconds. Being unarmed and analyzing the situation, I handed over my mobile without any resistance.
Who do we turn to? The Police Chief claims that law and order is under control and mobile snatching incidents have seen a significant dive. It may be alright on his performance sheet but certainly NOT on the streets. Step out anywhere in Karachi to ask people and you won’t need to worry about any statistics.
A question still banging my head is what we can do individually to protect ourselves. We are all convinced that traditionally the authorities have never and will never step up to solve such issues. Should we all start carrying arms ourselves, or allow these snatchers to rob us at will? Today it was me; tomorrow it can be anyone of you. God forbid if such a thing happens again what are we to do?
Do we hit back with Newton’s 3rd law of equal and opposite reaction, or be confined with giving away yet another Sadqa? This is a combined nuisance that needs a combined approach. Do think over it. It may help us.
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