What does Republic Day mean when Constitutional rights are not given, says Wangchuk's wife
New Delhi (PTI): As the 77th Republic Day was celebrated across the country with displays of military might and cultural heritage, HIAL co-founder and wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, Gitanjali J Angmo said it was the first time she did not feel motivated to watch the parade.
Questioning the meaning of Republic Day when rights guaranteed in the Constitution were not being granted, Angmo pointed out that it has been four months since Wangchuk was "unlawfully" arrested.
"It is 4 months... 120 days of Sonam Wanghuk's unlawful and illegal detention! For the first time ever since I can remember, I did not feel motivated to watch the Republic Day parade on TV which my mom and I had never missed," Angmo said.
"It is sad but I don't know how to feel proud of what is showcased anymore! What to believe and what not to! Where is the truth lying in all this narrative of the rise of India amongst the great nations of the world," she said.
Wangchuk, a Magsaysay Award-winning climate activist and educator, was detained under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) on September 26, two days after protests demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh left four people dead and 90 injured in the Union territory.
"When Constitutional safeguards available are not given to a region that legitimately deserves it, how is it Republic Day? The Constitution guarantees to put out a point of view in democracy... When you do that, you are jailed... There is no respect for the Constitution that we are celebrating," Angmo told PTI.
"How much of taxpayers' money is spent on pageantry. It is for the nation, so that all can feel proud of our achievements... but has to be built on a solid foundation. When foundation is shakey, you can't inspire people based on pageantry," she said.
Angmo, the co-founder of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), said there is a "certain disillusionment".
"It is not just a personal thing... There is a lot of trust in the parade, and the military capabilities... there is a lot of pride. But how much of this is true and how much is a facade?" she asked.
"There is a certain disillusionment when we see the real issues are not being addressed... like pollution, no one is talking about it... unemployment, the state of education, schools being shut..." she said.
Citing an example, she said, "They talk about carbon neutral Ladakh, but something so tried and tested -- the passive solar building -- there is no thrust in ensuring all buildings that come up in Ladakh are built that way. All government buildings are being constructed as regular cement-mortar buildings".
After being arrested, Wangchuk was taken to jail in Jodhpur soon after he ended his 15-day fast over the demands pertaining to the Sixth Schedule and statehood for Ladakh, as violence erupted in Leh.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
"Embarrassing situation, big people from all parties" involved in illegal sand mining: K'taka min
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that "big people from all parties" are involved in illegal sand mining, after a woman MLA claimed that she was receiving threats from the sand mafia following her attempts to stop their activities in Raichur district of the state.
This was an "embarrassing situation," he said.
The Home minister was responding to a question raised by JD (S) MLA from Devadurga, Karemma Nayak in the Legislative Assembly.
"I have not shared details of who is involved, who is the leader behind it. It is a big racket. Big people are involved. Big people from all parties are involved...it is a little embarrassing situation," Parameshwara said while speaking on illegal sand mining in Raichur district.
He said he will soon call a meeting on how police should tackle it.
"We have no mercy on this. I will call the meeting of legislators from the district and take their suggestions before taking any decision," he added.
Karemma Nayak, earlier raising the issue said, she is speaking with a lot of pain about illegal sand mining in her constituency.
"After becoming the MLA I have been honestly fighting to stop illegal sand mining, but it has not been possible till today.....sand is illegally mined and transported using JCBs (earth movers) and tippers from Krishna river overnight. I'm getting lots of complaints from farmers about the activity also affecting their crops like chilli and cotton, with dust covering the crops," she said, adding that there has been no proper action despite her complaining to the authorities.
Stating that he has received threats at her house for raising voice against illegal sand mining, the MLA said, "I'm a woman MLA. What action is the government taking if such things are happening. Such things should stop.....those who came to threaten me did a press conference where two cops were deployed for them."
There is demand for sand locally, the government floated tenders for extraction and supply of sand, but the bids have not been opened, she said. "Big hands are behind it as illegal mining means money. It results in loss of royalty for the government."
Parameshwara said that the illegal sand mining is not limited to Devadurga and that it happens across the state and necessary measures are being taken to control it from time to time.
Highlighting the role that the Mines and Geology Department has to play in controlling such activities, he said there is a Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and there is a committee comprising officials including Deputy Commissioner and the police. "When a complaint is filed, the police take action," he said.
There is also a separate Sand Task Force, he said, adding that "sometimes there are lapses. I will see to it that they work properly....there is no question of compromising on this issue, but we can't stop this in one day."
The minister also assured protection and safety to Karemma and other legislators.
"I want to assure Karemma Nayak that we will not let any trouble in any way. We, the police department, are here to protect you. This assurance is for all legislators. In case of any lapses I will certainly take action," he assured.
