India, I See Blood in Your Hands

Check out the powerful lyrics of India, I See Blood on Your Hands by Imphal Talkies and the Howlers!

Imphal Talkies and the Howlers’ India, I See Blood in Your Hands, written by Akhu Chingangbam, serves as a powerful and unflinching critique of modern India. The lyrics pose challenging questions, highlighting the gap between the country’s democratic principles and the stark realities faced by its marginalized groups. Akhu’s words embody a mix of sorrow, protest, and defiance, addressing issues such as the turmoil in Kashmir, the overlooked fight of Irom Sharmila, the Gujarat riots, and the persecution of activists like Dr. Binayak Sen. Each line strikes at the heart of a nation that often seems oblivious to its own contradictions.

The refrain, “India, I see blood in your hands / India, I see blood in your flag,” is both chilling and thought-provoking, holding the state accountable for its role in violence and injustice. The song explores themes like farmer suicides, the legacy of Salwa Judum, and the Tamil genocide in Sri Lanka, creating a poignant narrative of sorrow and anger that crosses regional divides. Yet, beneath this fury lies a deep desire for unity and shared aspirations, as expressed in the final lines.

This piece is more than just a song; it is a poetic call to action, challenging India to face its shortcomings and reevaluate its moral direction. Akhu's raw and evocative lyricism ensures that the message lingers long after the last note is played.

India, have you ever crawled down enough to smell the soil of Kashmir?
India, have you ever heard of a lady named Sharmila?
India, can you explain to me what happened in the land of Gandhi, in Gujarat?
India, what are the charges against Dr Binayak Sen?

India, I see blood in your hands
India, I see blood on your flag

India, are you waiting for the stone pelters to become suicide bombers?
India, why are your farmers so fucking suicidal?
India, why the poets in South are mourning for the Tamils killed in Sri Lanka?
India, why did you let Narendra Modi walk free preaching genocide?
India, what have you done to the villagers after Salwa Judum?

Is there a dream that we share from east to west?
Is there a song that echoes from north to south?