Will the God save lakhs of people from Shaheen Bagh Protesters or the Government or the Court
By Ten News Network
Right to protest is a democratic right enshrined in our constitution but every right comes with its fair share of duty.
A peaceful public protest is a civic activity intended to draw the attention of lawmakers, policymakers and the general public to critical issues of governance and to demand redress and accountability.
Hence, the country’s apex court with a view to allow such protests has designated site for protest such as Delhi’s Jantar Mantar or Mumbai’s Azad Maidan.
The Shaheen Bagh Protest which started after December 14 and is now about to complete a month, has gained its fair share of attention on social media . This protest now resulting long traffic chaos and woes on the large part of South Delhi and NOIDA region . Business , schools , colleges , tourists and every one is suffering as central government and Delhi Police has failed to remove these 200 odd protesters from the the road .
This protest is taking place at a major public road used by lakhs commuters everyday, primarily for commuting between Delhi , Noida, Greater Noida and Faridabad. Lakhs of motorist are forced to take a long detour and get stuck for hours on jammed road due to this protest, intended to protect civil rights.
For years, Jantar Mantar has been the permitted site for public protests in New Delhi. The space – a wide lane behind the monument – has been hosting daily gatherings of protestors as well as people who have been demonstrating there for months and sometimes even longer.
The Jantar Mantar site is at the heart of Delhi, closer to government offices and parliament.
In contrast the Shaheen Bagh protest is far from power corridors of Delhi and is at a place causing great inconvenience to the general public.
Road number 13A between Mathura Road and Kalindi Kunj has been closed for traffic movement since last month over the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests in the area, causing inconvenience to the commuters and leading to heavy traffic congestion.
It is due to closing of this road that DND also gets blocked during office hours every day, resulting in loss of precious work time, fuel, efficiency of lakhs of commuters.
Lakhs of people are suffering because of the road closure and it is also an issue for people facing emergencies.
A protest by locals and residents of the nearby areas was also held in Sarita Vihar on Sunday demanding shifting of Shaheen Bagh protestors and opening of key roads.
Many have also approached these local ladies, with the request to allow at least partial traffic movement from one lane of road, for some normalcy to return. However they have refused to budge citing that such closures also happen during time of road constructions.
Indeed, as we celebrate this right to freedom and protest in a peaceful way, it is also important to understand that my right to protest can not be attatck on others freedom of movement . It is imperative that Delhi Police administration and central government now find an alternative location for these protests and save lakhs of Delhi , Noida- Greater Noida , Faridabad resident from everyday misery.
The million dollar question is will the God save lakhs of people from Shaheen Bagh Protesters or the Government or the Court .
