With due respect Mr. Sibal, of course it matters where the protest is being held. BJP, Congress and the left have led several protests over last three decades at Jantar Mantar. The issue we debate isn’t about people supporting or against this particular ongoing protest. Of course people are against “Regime Change” and “Inspiration from Bangladesh” or any such anti-India hate terminology.
But here we debate protest location for all Indians across ideologies and issues. Why has Jantar Mantar suddenly become unsafe and a major security risk? Since years we have had major protests at this location which Police has strategically and bravely controlled. If a particular mob is indulging in violence, Police has every right to arrest them, take strongest possible action and take legal course. De-notifying Jantar Mantar won’t help.
Jantar Mantar is centrally located. It’s close to Parliament and Seat of the Government. Protest is a fundamental right for all Indians across ideologies. It has to be seen and felt. Moving it several miles away in an isolated place doesn’t make sense in any way. Beauty of Indian democracy is the Govt, opposition, SC, EC, Bureaucracy, People and the Media. India has seen several historic protests from Freedom Struggle to JP Movement. We shouldn’t be afraid of any protests or even threats. Trust to Police to be competent to handle elements against the nation. Globally protests are held near Parliament or Govt Central Building. Don’t fall in the trap of certain protestors who want Govt to take such steps in haste to invite attacks from usual suspects. Don’t give them fodder.
Lastly, if you don’t know me, you shouldn’t have responded honestly. Why waste your and my time? Just agree to disagree! I know who you are. I won’t call your arguments hollow even if your language is rude and unnecessarily provocative. Even though I didn’t indulge in any personal attack. Many years ago you hosted me at your residence and gave me an interview at your rooftop. With respect. Thanks
Don’t know who this person is but his arguments are hollow.
He would make you believe that the US has allocated a protest site close to the White House or the US Congress and France close to the Elysée or at the Concorde next to the French Parliament.
The issue is not how close the site is in Delhi to the Parliament etc.
Is it the case that the shouts of the protestors and the size of the crowd should be seen physically by the MPs?
It is the TV and the SM that show the scale of the protest and journalists engaging the protestors that gives the protest due coverage.
These protests even get international coverage.
It doesn’t matter where the protest site is so long it is accessible and in the capital city.
Is the cause important or the site?
These protests cannot be allowed to disturb the functioning of the city or cause huge inconvenience to the public.
Remember, not everyone supports these protests.
The majority doesn’t.