Friday, May 30, 2008

Bainsala's Gurjar Agitation for Rights Versus Fundamental Rights of citizens of India

Hi! 

In a celebrated democracy like India, Citizens have certain fundamental rights that the Constitution provides them. And mind you, we citizens adopted this Constitution unto ourselves in 1950. But often these rights are infringed with impunity by the agitators without any concern to the rights of other citizens. My right to freedom of expression can't take away some fellow citizen's right to life & right to move freely in the country for that matter. 

I am pained that while there are penal laws that provides for strict action if I create a public nuisance or block the public road for example, and more stricter if highways or railway lines are blocked, why the state fails to enforce the basic law when such agitations take place. Is state a party to it? Any damage to public property is an offence and the damage can be recovered from the offender under the law. Who will pay for the massive damage that has been done by putting the State buses, private vehicles on fire by the agitating gurjar mobs? Afterall it is all going from our pockets by way of taxes. In an ordinary situation, burning of leaves, garbage etc is punishable under environment laws in Delhi. What were the law enforcers doing when the roads were blocked with burning tyres chocking the air of Delhi? If you pull the chain in the running train, you are liable to a fine of Rs. 1000/- minimum and also can be jailed, then why no action on illegal stopping of trains by hooligans in name of agitation? Where is the basic civic sense in this country? 

Why the enforcement is sleeping? Is it a political game? should that be allowed ? Is it because there is a certain party in power in Rajasthan and which is growing its popularity in deep south too after winning the Karnataka elections that certain vested interests want to use this opportunity to blow the gurjar issue in to larger proportions to vent out their frustration? Is it because parties like BSP and Congress want to encash on such an issue that they are allowing these agitations to disrupt the life of citizens and paralyse the Capital and hold the NCT to ransom? It was evident with the Police inaction in controlling and dispersing the agitators that Police was suitably briefed not to stop agitators and allow them to hold the city to ransom! 

Can the peace loving citizens of this country demand from the Government a right to life, safety and peaceful existence in this country? Can the judiciary take suo-moto notice and declare such disruption of civic life and liberties as anti-state and a stumble block to fundamental rights of common man  and bring the culprits to book? 

I hope the better sense prevails on all the organs of society and the rights of fellow citizens are respected while such agitations are carried out. There is a democratic way of expressing your demands. Lets not create an anarchy. Lets ensure a progressive India governed with a rule of law and not hooligans. 

In prayers 

Subhash