OPINION
WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY? IT IS CITIZENS WHO ARE HOSTAGE IN INDIAN PROTESTS
Article 19 in the Constitution of India gives right to freedom of speech and expression, to assemble peaceably and without arms and to form associations or unions.
Article 19 in The Constitution of India also provides right to the citizens to move freely throughout the territory of India. No person can be restricted to move from one part of the State to another. The freedom of movement under Article 19 allows us to move from one state to another and anywhere within the State though there are certain exceptions to this freedom too.
Indian protests snatch this right of citizens
However, in India, the first ploy of every kind of protestors is to block roads and crossings with a view to catch attention of both the Government they protest against as well as for the media coverage.
It is increasingly felt that often we become hostage to the protests in India resulting in putting normal life out of gear. Commoners cannot reach their destinations in time .At times ambulances are struck up in the protests-for serious patients which each minute is important to reach in a hospital for Emergency care. Flash strike s and protests catch us unaware.
In such a situation one can only curse the status quo of Indian mentality of indifference towards the rights of the common man who always is at the suffering end.
Whose responsibility?
Protesters block rails and roads with impunity which smacks of inept handling of such protests by the Government.
Where is the intelligence of Govt. which cannot see simering discontent in society in certain strata against it’s policies desiring corretional course ?
The sordid politics by way of protests on every issue has become the ‘hallmark’ of Indian democracy and we ourselves are responsible for this.
The transparency in working of Government in framing policies for people’s welfare is a must. In this age of technology, we cannot work in closed door environments. Protests must be addressed on priority.
Is India serious?
We often talk of inviting foreign investment.
Will any investor chose India in such a fluid situation of protests when nothing is certain that movement of goods will not be impacted along with timely delivery of other services ?
5 comments
The solution to present impasse on New Farm Acts lies in adopting middle path. Let both parties means Government and Farmer’s Associations agree for the middle part in way of amendments in laws on agreed terms.
Government should not do any dilly- dallying and listen to the genuine demands of the people at the earliest.This way they won’t have to do rallies and agitations and the common people will also not suffer.Administration and Governments force people to do PROTESTS.
Dear Brij ji. I think in the light of Covid-19 pandemic and the hardships faced by every section of the society, both the Government and the farmer assiciations should end this stalemate at the earliest.
Agreed, Sir. Citizens’ right to move freely should not be impinged upon. Hoewever, you’ve also rightly indicated that ultimate responsibility, to ensure that no section of society is marginalised and forced to take to street protests to be heard, lies with the government. This is especially true with the current farmers’ protest, when their localised protests in Punjab were ignored for months by the central government. No government “for the people and by the people” can be greater than the voice of the very people it is meant to serve.
Very Informative. Great
KULDIP SINGH,
WELLINGTON,
NEW ZEALAND