As more information emerges from the Nizamuddin situation, I see some people being quick to condemn the folks allegedly throwing things and attacking doctors. Insulting or attacking healthcare workers is unacceptable in itself. But on a more cautious note :

I'm unlikely to feel intimidated or afraid of a health worker or even policeman who knocks at my door to make enquiries, test, or quarantine. I have access to accurate information, and the social capital to ensure that I am safe and well-cared for under most circumstances.

As the mindlessly coercive nature of the state becomes clearer in its response, tremendous amounts of conflict might be inevitable. People across groups are being bombarded with conflicting, vague or even outright false information. Others have acccess to no information.

The state right up to the highest levels is indulging in this deadly circus of half-truth, denial, rumour and misinformation. Implementation is left to the lower bureaucracy and police, both of whom have an antagonistic relationship with marginalised people of different kinds.

This, alongside enforcing what looks like an indefinite lockdown that is and will cause immense hardship. People will feel afraid of, intimidated, or angered by, both the invisible, polyvalent pandemic and the footsoldiers of the state. They will, in simple words, freak out.

Returning to Nizamuddin - of course the rights of essential workers are important amidst an extremely stressful situation. But we shouldn't forget (Especially in the aftermath of a pogrom) that different citizens have different relationships with the state.

Not wading into the specifics of that incident. I'm only saying we should be wary of projecting universal,totalizing meanings onto the work that healthcare and police personnel do. The cop who stood by in a pogrom yesterday might want to take you to quarantine today.