QUESTION OF THE DAY
Two weeks have elapsed since the 26th January 2020 incident. Even though people were anticipating a major national upheaval in December or January, it did not happen. On 16th December 2019 and 26th January 2020, it did not happen. In fact 19th and 20th January which marked the end of three years of Barrow’s administration passed without any threat to peace. This gave the Barrow administration as one depicting the executive presidency to have a new lease of life. Hence when the police gave a ‘Three Years Jotna’ movement permit to hold a procession, people anticipated that it will be a very peaceful procession. Unfortunately a clash between demonstrators and security forces ultimately led to the use of tear gas and batons resulting in suffocation, injuries, hospitalization and detention.
Since the arrests of 26th January, no evidence of mass uprising has emerged. This confirms that there is no threat to public order as a result of any protest against the detention of the ‘Three Years Jotna’ leaders. In this regard, the state should reciprocate a move towards discharging the protestors and turning a new page.
