Unnecessary?

There were more than a few raised eyebrows when our bus driver showed up with his pistol, complete with holster, belt and bullets. This seemed really unnecessary nowadays. We had been accompanied during the last trip by weapon toting armed guards, but this had seemed more for display than anything else, since the District Officer was officiating.

So we really don't know what to make of this display of machismo. Was it really necessary? Was there a level of threat we were unaware of? The locals were neither concerned, nor aware of any risks.

For me, this was a grim reminder of the very real heritage of violence that still affected the community.