A War of Non-Violence

Ants are wonderful animals. When I was kid, I used to watch them carry load much bigger than their bodies and disappear into the ant holes. They work as a team and help each other. Asides from bees, ants have amazing humanlike instincts. Today Phuentsholing is next to Sahara in terms of heat. And ants are invading our kitchens, living-rooms, bathrooms and even the bedrooms. An ant first appeared and slowly more and more joined the mission. Initially, they respected my bed and chose to march a few meters away from my bed instead. But now their tactics have changed.

Last night the leader of the ants must have called a meeting and decided to invade even my bed and the mattress. The war zone is increased. And this morning, I wake up to the sight of so many tiny ant soldiers. The war is on. I don’t know what to do and I am worried I might lose the war just as the mighty elephant lost long, long ago.

They are so tiny, I cannot even handhold them and lead them away from my house non-violently. When Gandhiji employed his strategy of non-violence, you see British were a big and powerful force, but my enemies on the other side are tiny, yet equally powerful. I tried every means to drive them away without hurting them, but none prevailed so far.

Some friends mocked saying if I keep my room clean, theses ants won’t find entrance in the first place. I don’t know about that. My house is not dirty for that matter. Now I am worried some of them would lose their lives much against my wishes. But for now, I stand on guard to preserve my privacy.

And time is ready to fight back. But I am helpless. I don’t want to hurt them by any means. I like them, but I feel uneasy having them in my house. I only wish and pray that the leader of the ants does not decree his soldiers to invade my clothes and especially undergarments. I am afraid to imagine ant nests all over my house, in every household utensil, toiletries and culinary items.

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