Posters & Banners Banned Inside The Stadium For India-Sri Lanka T20 Game. Is Government Too Afraid Of Dissent?
Basit Aijaz
Updated: Jan 05, 2020, 15:57 IST
884 SHARESFACEBOOK TWITTER REDDIT SAVE
As Indian cricket team takes on Sri Lanka in the first T20I in Guwahati today, the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has banned posters and banners inside the stadium. Assam, as has been the case countrywide, has seen protests ringing in the streets against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Keeping in mind the security concerns and to prevent the protesting from reaching the ground, strict measures have been taken.
Placards showing “4” and “6” —staple at T20 games—too will not be allowed because they could be used for surrogate advertisements, said Devajit Saikia, secretary ACA. No marker pens will be allowed inside as well, he said. Only men’s wallets, ladies handbags, mobile phones and vehicle keys will be permitted inside the ground.
It comes after a Indian Super League game last month in Hyderabad saw people inside the stadium with large banners and posters protesting against the CAA. To prevent the repeat of the situation, ACA has categorically set the ban on certain items that could be used to engage in a similar activity inside the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
A necessary precaution, or a way to subjugate dissent? Wasn't this a country of free speech? This is no way a democracy functions.
A democracy encourages dissent and gives its citizens the right to question those in power and preserve that very fundamental principle that differentiates it from autocracy.
BJP Wants You To Support CAA With A Missed Call: Explaining How Missed Call Marketing Works
367 SHARES
After Urging Khans To Speak Up On CAA, Anubhav Sinha Takes A U-Turn & Defends Aamir & SRK
154 SHARES
JNU Violence, Bikaner Hospital Infant Deaths + More Top News
Protests Against Violence In JNU Spread To Major Campuses As
Students Hit The Streets In..
.
When Indian constitution came into effect on 26 January 1950, the supreme law of the land gave its citizens certain democratic rights. Right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and right to constitutional remedies. It is what sets India apart from many nations - every individual enjoys these privileges.
India prides itself on being world's largest democracy, yet today, disapproval of government's decisions are blatantly termed as 'anti-national' and lacking patriotism, that those in power seem to think have a copyright of.
After the Indian parliament passed the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), which has now become an Act after getting President's nod - the protests have rocked the entire nation.
The CAA benefits Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Christian and Parsi refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh who sought refuge in India before 2015; but leaves out Muslims and others from these countries, as well as Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka, Rohingyas from Myanmar, and Buddhist refugees from Tibet.
The current movement of dissent has its roots in Jamia Millia Islamia University. It all started on December 13, when police allegedly used brute force against the students of the university who were protesting against the law that they deem unconstitutional.
Now just that, fathom this: police used tear gas inside the university premises and broke into the library to disperse not protesters, but those studying for their semester exams. It is no ordinary attack, it is an attack on India's education system. An attack on the students who will lead this country into the future. Not just JMI, Aligarh Muslim University too, became a war zone as students clashed with the police.
Ever since, the country has united to stand in solidarity with the students, and also voice their protest against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register for Citizens (NRC), and National Population Register (NPR). The growing anger against the controversial Citizenship law has seen the PM Modi resorting to use of government machinery to sway fears and crush the growing contempt. The steps though, have so far failed to produce the desired results as people mobilise and oppose the controversial act that they are calling out 'undemocratic.'
Under no circumstances should a democratically elected government try to suppress dissent, it is unworthy of any government elected by over 130 crore people. This is India, not a monarchy. Here, every opinion holds weight, and every difference in opinion finds space. The ruling Bhartiya Janta Party is trying hard to blame the incompetent and insignificant Congress for feeding lies to people. The same Congress that hasn't come out of the shock suffered due to a humiliating defeat in two consecutive national elections, and can't even get their house in order. So no, this is no Congress' doing. This is a country rising and uniting to protect the constitution that makes 'Bharat Mahaan.' It is the educated youth of the country that is on the streets - with a tricolor flag in one hand and the Preamble in another.
Unlike political movements, this can't be silenced. This is the awakening of the pen and a united India fighting to save the country's soul - Constitution. This is no communal revolution of sorts, as has been portrayed by some. This is India and its different faiths fighting together, and trying to bring justice to the land of Allah, Ram, Guru Nanak, and Buddha. It is India in its true glory - its people out there, showing why this country is great and vibrant.
