ഡൽഹിയിൽ പ്രതിഷേധിച്ച യുവാക്കളെ കസ്റ്റഡിയിലെടുത്ത നടപടിയെ ഹിമാചൽ മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി സുഖ്വിന്ദർ സിംഗ് സുഖു വിമർശിച്ചു. പ്രതിഷേധിക്കാനുള്ള അവകാശം ജനാധിപത്യത്തിന്റെ അടിസ്ഥാനമാണെന്നും, ജനങ്ങളുടെ ശബ്ദം അടിച്ചമർത്തുന്നതിന് പകരം സർക്കാർ അവരെ കേൾക്കാൻ തയ്യാറാകണമെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം പറഞ്ഞു. ഭരണഘടനയും ജനാധിപത്യവും സംരക്ഷിക്കാൻ കോൺഗ്രസ് നിയമപോരാട്ടം തുടരുമെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം വ്യക്തമാക
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday expressed concern over the detention of youths in Delhi, saying the right to stage protests is a fundamental right in a democracy and that governments should listen to people instead of suppressing their voices.
He said democracy and the rights granted to citizens under the Constitution had been secured through long struggles. He also said the Congress was fighting the issue legally and would approach the Supreme Court again on Monday, adding that he too would join the fight.
Speaking to reporters, Sukhu said the right to vote was the most crucial right in a democracy and if people felt it was being snatched away or tampered with, it was natural for them to launch a movement. "The right to protest is a primary tool in a democracy. The youths should have been granted permission to protest at Ramlila Maidan. There is no point in trying to suppress their voices, as it can never be silenced," he said.
Sukhu said governments should listen to the people and correct any mistake that may have occurred. He added that shutting down the internet and other services, as well as detaining people during protests, was not appropriate in a democratic system. He said the objective of any struggle should be to create public awareness and that, ultimately, people deliver the decisive verdict during elections.
Replying to a question on Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi's struggle to protect democracy and the Constitution, Sukhu said Gandhi's only aim was to keep democracy strong and vibrant while safeguarding the Constitution. He added that Congress leaders were fighting to protect the Constitution and that the Central government should also consider the matter seriously.
In sum, Sukhu said the right to protest must be protected, detention and restrictions during demonstrations were not in keeping with democracy, and the issue would continue to be pursued through public and legal action.