Democracy under house arrest
Terrorism and extremism are the biggest problems plaguing the world. Terrorists and extremists didn’t descend from the skies. Terrorism is a result of excesses of the rich countries. Similar realities are the reason for the genesis of Naxalism in north east and other parts of India. The attack and assault unleased on them made them lose faith in the democratic system, and reach out to weapons to protect themselves.
Inequality, poverty and hunger are the main causes behind Naxalism having found its root in the nation. Another reason for this could also be Army was used against these people to uproot them from their natural habitats. This contributed greatly to the growth of Naxalism. But any fight that uses weapons is not an acceptable way of expression even if it is for the people. Today we can seek justice only through democratic means. This has been proved time and again through the pages of history in India. But the state is committing a huge mistake in identifying the organisations/agencies that are creating a rift or trouble through extremist activities.
Earlier, all the anti-social activities and extremism would be attributed to muslims and the rest was easy to set the narrative. Soon after the destructive activities were carried out, the accused would be held and even punished for the crime. Media and investigative agencies didn’t deem it important to run a detailed investigation into the matter. It was always seen as ‘people of a particular faith being arrested for whatever crime’. As a result of this thousands of muslim youths went into jails never to come out. Their future was lost. This damaged the country’s internal security in two ways. The actual culprits were scot free. And this encouraged them to cause more destruction. The others who were wrongfully jailed, ended up being disillusioned by democracy that didn’t do them justice and got into the path of crime since they were already branded as criminals. Innocent muslims were turned into terrorists.
Investigations of Malegaon, Ajmer, Mecca Masjid, Sanjhota blasts were carried out with Muslims being the focal point. But many years later, the truth was revealed that Sangh Parivar members had executed these blasts. Irony is, the government is not showing any interest in curbing the Hindu terrorism that is raising its wide hood. This double standard followed by the government continues into elaborating on the term ‘terrorism’ to suit the narrative set by themselves. While all the destructive forces were called ‘terrorists’ earlier, the Modi-led government calls all those thinkers and progressive intellectuals as ‘urban naxals’.
On one hand, the governments are asking the naxals to drop weapons and come into mainstream; and on the other, they are branding thinkers as ‘urban naxals’. The government is trying to close all options of a dialogue by saying criticizing the government is equal to criticizing the country. This has caused major damage to the democracy and this is dangerous.
We have already seen people who turn away from democracy take to destructive paths. Democratic fights have taken a different route now. Hardly anybody speaks against labourers or farmers. The government isn’t even taking cognizance of democratic demonstrations. Instead, the ones who participate in such demos are branded as terrorists, and they are arrested. All those human rights activists under house arrest are deeply respectful of democracy. They have been speaking against anti-democratic forces. Unfortunately, anti-constitutional forces are right around us and they are let free while the democratic activists are being hounded. People are looking at activists with suspicion owing to these anti-democratic forces. And it could be owing to the pressure exerted by anti-constitutional elements that the government is arresting the activists and progressive thinkers.
This is a direct message the government is sending to the minorities, muslims and exploited communities of the nation, informing them that if they continue to speak against the government, they would also be meeting the same fate. Hence, the anti-constitutional people according to the government are guardians of culture, and all those who are protesting are naxals. To declare them as thus and then eliminating them is the motive of the government. The terrorist organisations will reap total benefit of this, is beyond doubt. To close the routes of protest, which is a constitutional right, is to deny democracy. Hence, the whole of democracy is under house arrest today.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
