The capital bandh called on Friday by the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee passed off without barely any impact. It is not just a refreshing change but also shows a growing mindset against being victimised by ‘bandh culture’. The district administration, market welfare committees, transport associations and public ought to be proud of themselves for defying the bandh and hopefully successful in heralding a new chapter where society is never held ransom at the whims and fancies of few individuals.

 

 

Bandh culture has emerged as an integral, not to mention an annoying part of democratic movement of protest which contradicts the right of people from free movement as guaranteed by the Constitution. Numerous other forms of non-violent methods of protest made famous by Mahatma Gandhi as a source of strength and inspiration across the world seems to have gotten lost down the lane. Not a long time ago, bandhs had become the weapon of choice for protesters and the bustling capital complex was often brought to a complete standstill at the whims and fancies of even nondescript organizations.

 

Understandably with each passing bandh call the almost passive submission by the administration and government made people lose confidence. But the district administration, police and IMWA volunteers has done a tremendous job and given a befitting reply that it will not take such behaviour lying low.

 

The room for airing protests is the most wonderful aspect about democracy. But that said, protests mustn’t be at the cost of others comfort and flouting rules and regulations. It is a sad truth of our times that bandhs seldom do reflect the sentiments of the common masses and have become arm-twisting mechanism used to settle political scores and to serve the vested interests of few.

 

Therefore, it is high time that the government, law enforcing agencies and the public in right earnest derail such diabolic designs. Public opinion is a powerful tool in fighting against bandh culture and this time around, the common man came out victorious.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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