A sign of the times

Naushad* is distributing ration kits to families who are short of resources during the lockdown. Subhash*, who does not have enough food to last him two days, is offered one and asked to sign against his name on the list of beneficiaries. He refuses. “We won’t be able to give you the kit without your signature!” stresses Naushad. He refuses still. The kit is handed over without the signature.

Naushad’s interaction brings out a fear that is unspoken yet abundantly clear. Families in this small town near Delhi are cautious of signatures and photographs. A gnawing fear has been instilled—that their signatures will be used against them in the context of the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Another family member says matter of factly, “Khaane se zyaada safe rehna important hai” (More than food, it is important to be safe).

People would rather live in abject hunger than sign and face the threat of being declared foreign in their homeland.

*Names changed to maintain confidentiality.

Tuhina Sharma is a part of One Step, Many Smiles.