Republic Day rigours

Republic Day, as has been the norm in the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir, has once again revived an atmosphere of fear, suspicions and harassment to commoners. There could be no greater irony than the fact that a day observed as celebration of the country's democratic constitution actually ensures suppression of the masses. The beefed up security, crackdowns, searches and frisking operations as a prelude to national days like Independence Day and Republic Day have become an accepted part of life in the entire country, especially conflict ridden states like Jammu and Kashmir, where people are made to face the music of the security forces who have been given blind orders to do anything to ensure an incident free day suited to the occasion. While it is important to observe national days and take pride in the freedom of the country from foreign yolk and its democratic, secular, socialist credentials but not at the cost of hapless people who are at the receiving end of deprivation of basic fundamental rights that they are bestowed with as per the constitution the existence of which is sought to be celebrated on the occasion of the Republic Day. The restriction on movement, the harassment by security forces, the blocking of several roads and highways for traffic, bringing to halt bus services in certain militancy affected pockets of the region certainly do not go with the spirit of the great democratic republic that India is. Srinagar, perhaps, bears the worst brunt of the celebrations where the venue of the Republic Day parade and its surrounding areas resemble a citadel under siege. Unfortunately, the area also houses two major government hospitals which are not spared from the ordeal of searches and massive presence of troops, adding to the miseries of patients, most of whom are sent back to their homes or have to face the ire of the forces. This time, the Valley witnesses a new phenomenon - frisking of women on the roads and checking of their personal belongings. While in some areas this is being done by lady cops, there are also reports of harassment by male cops in some pockets. Neither the police nor the paramilitary forces prescribe checking of personal belongings of women by men in their respective code of ethics. So it appears ironic that Republic Day should be chosen an occasion to violate all norms of decency and legalities. The forces get away with all the allegations of harassment in the name of ensuring security, smooth conduct of Republic Day celebrations and so-called national interest, which is always invoked to justify and legitimize any irresponsible or suppressive acts. While subversive threats before and after such national days of importance cannot be negated and the need for observing a peaceful celebrations is also required, these imperatives cannot take precedence over the fundamental rights of the citizens. Ensuring a peaceful observation of national days assumes significance because the administration wishes to project the hoax of normalcy and the valour of the security forces. But another question is much more important - can Republic Day be observed successfully while violating its basic spirit
WASIM RASHID