India, March 7 -- This is a strange street, one that almost seems unsure of its own name. Only a single signboard identifies it as Ram Richhpal Street-the faded board of Orion Public School ("Recognised English Medium"). Other establishments disagree. The signage of Blue Diamond Hotel and Dr Ahmad Mian Homeopathy Clinic both label the place as Gali Prem Narain, a lane that in fact lies just outside this one (and has already been chronicled on this page).

The street is short and contains only the three establishments already mentioned. This afternoon, the school's gate is closed, and the lane carries the stillness that often settles after schoolchildren leave. The next-door hotel stands with blue stripes painted across its facade. Its pla...