The saffron brigade in Bardoli is set to give a new meaning to the profoundly significant Om. In its bid to segregate Hindus and Muslims, the ancient symbol of wholeness is about to be used by Hindu organisations, who have decreed that three-wheelers driven by (the Hindus) should have Om stickers displayed prominently on their vehicles. .

Hindu organisations, led by the VHP, plan various kinds of boycotts to "financially cripple" the Muslim community. They have already held several meetings at which calls to intensify the boycott have been sounded.

The boycott includes severing of social and business ties with (the Muslims) who account for 10 per cent of the town's 60,000-odd population. ...

The move may, in fact, be self-defeating because a majority of autorickshaws are owned by Muslims. As one local Muslim resident said, "They will have no option but to walk, for we control nearly 70 per cent of the town's rickshaws".

Also on the hitlist are shops. "Boycott is the most effective non-violent means to weaken any community". says an office-bearer of the RSS. "We know 100-per cent boycott is not possible but we will ensure that Muslims pay for their deeds".

Boycotts of this sort are not new to Bardoli. The town was witness to three-wheelers carrying Om stickers in 1984, when it was ravaged by communal violence ... The system was not 'foolproof' ... as even Muslim auto drivers began carrying Om stickers.

... Hindus supply goods to most Muslims shops. We  are not going to sever ties", admits a Hindu supplier ... Even RSS leader Shah doesn't mix business with politics.  When asked whether he would boycott Muslim customers, Shah who owns an automobile agency, replies "No". His justification? "Money will come to Hindus and weaken them (Muslims) further ...

Social boycott would appear easier to practice, but in reality close small-town ties should render that difficult ...