A Call for Democratic Norms

As citizens of the LARGEST DEMOCRATIC NATION IN THE WORLD,
We express our deep anguish at disruptive tactics practised by political parties. Every other day, someone declares:

“Rasta roko”, “Rail Roko”or “chakka-jam”and “shut the market”,
“self- immolation”, “burning effigy” and “ fast-unto death”.

All such tactics cause further disruption, violence, discontent and disaffection in otherwise a democratic and tolerant society. By blocking traffic movement, and obstructing normal social and commercial activities, citizens are not allowed to travel to work, take children to schools, attend to offices, or even to shift a sick member to hospital. Cycles are punctured, cars are damaged, and public transport – buses and railways are burnt. Our education institutions are closed. Citizens’ rights to work and travel are forcefully violated. Interests of low-income daily wage earners are particularly hurt by “The bandhs” (closed down market).

Our Constitution grants us freedom of expression and right to peaceful assembly. But disruptive and violent political activities undermine the rights to free movement and freedom to work. In a chain reaction, nation’s industrial, engineering and administrative services are disrupted. We have free media and the constitutional avenues of assemblies, parliament and judiciary are available to us. But disruptive and violent politics have no place in an open democratic governance.
We, the concerned citizens, call upon all political parties and students’ union leaders to abide by the democratic norms of civil dissent and desist from the disruptive and violent agitation tactics.

(You can email your supportive names at < psand@vsnl.net>)