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    Points:10

      

    Active GD- Do we have the right to destroy public property? Yes or No?

    Do we, as citizens of this nation, governed by the Constitution, have the right to destroy the public property of a person or the nation? That is the question. But again, is a dissenting voice punishable? Can I react and to what extent? This Active GD is being raised with reference to the thread by Partha at I like these rules and lot many decisions by different Courts in India, especially the recent one by the Kerala High Court directing the government to recover the amount for the damages caused by the Popular Front.

    We are expecting responses from the heart without any political inclinations. Let us be true to ourselves.

    The thread by Partha is basically inclined and so we thought of discussing the matter in total.
    The amendment to the rules of the JNU University regarding compensation to be paid in case of destruction to public property is commendable and needs to be adhered to by all. It is not just about JNU or campuses across the nation but should be related to all protests.

    Do you think we have the right to destroy public property? is there anything wrong in holding a dissenting opinion? If yes, why, and if no why? Please discuss as common citizens why we resort to such incidents. Is that advisable? And what are the remedies?

    General guidelines for adherence – (Please read and follow them strictly)
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    6. All the posting guidelines as per the policy of ISC are applicable in this GD too. Any violation thereof will not be acceptable.

    Important- Let us not be politically excited.

    Let us have a healthy, active, and fruitful discussion. The GD will close on the 5th of March 2023. (Extended till 06th as the thread was locked by mistake)

    The best participants selected will be awarded a cash reward of Rs 150/- each. Other participants will also be considered for cash rewards if found eligible.

    : The editor who is moderating the GD will have the final say (in consultation with the team) in matters of dispute (during discussion) and a point or guidance put forth as a response by the moderator need not be responded to by the participating members.
  • #770079

    Points:4
    No, we do not have right to destroy public or individual properties at any cost. What would you get by destroying the public properties? If you want to say or want to put your opinion, there are many provision in the constitution. You must a good citizen. You do not have right to destroy the property. By destroying property, you will not get what you want.

    So, it is not got to destroy properties. We are destroying national properties by doing this. So, I am in favour that public or individual properties should not be destroyed. In my opinion, it is terrorism. Generally terrorist do this thing to pressurized the government. If your demand is genuine, please use the constitutional method.

    I will submit more views after reading the views of other members.
    Honesty is the best policy.

  • #770081

    Points:5
    No. There is no right for anybody to destroy public property. Even our own property we should not destroy. We can't put our house on flame saying that it is my own house. Neighbours will object the same as their properties may also get destroyed. As such who will give us the right for destroying public property? In fact, it is our responsibility to protect public property and we can protest if somebody is destroying the same.
    Many people think a loss to public property is not a loss to us. That is wrong. Where from this property coming from? These are created or purchased using the money government called from people in the form of taxes. So if we are destroying public property, we should think that we are destroying our own property.
    But we see many time people spoiling public property during times of agitation and struggles. But there is no right for us to do that. The individual should have the maturity to understand this concept. But there are governments to monitor and see that nobody will spoil public property.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #770088

    Points:5
    I am in favour of protection of property irrespective of its origin either personal or public. Property in both the forms takes time to be constructed involving massive investments of funds. If the asset is constructed for the use of personal purposes, the investors need to examine their capacities in terms of financial investments and would try to extract all possible means to go ahead for such plans. Financing from banks could be a costly affair considering both the principal and compound interest involved to be paid in monthly instalments and this needs a lot of exercise for such payouts on regular basis since the investors would have to see how best is monthly expenses including the fees of kids and other emergencies are managed successfully. In case of public property, the authorities exploit the money earned through the taxes and it is the responsibility of the concerned authorities to ensure that construction takes place in time without the escalation of its price already planned. If the public properties are subjected to destruction irrespective of the source of mischief. It would certainly amount to loss of money of the public.
    Considering both the circumstances, it is a irreversible loss and in no way, public should themselves indulge in such irresponsible behaviours.

  • #770089

    Points:5
    Certainly NO. The properties owned by Government is nothing but accrued though our taxation and money paid to them. It is equal to our own property and we are the loser if we destroy or damage them.
    In newspapers we are seeing the persons damaging public properties like buses etc., on any reasons. Though they can justify their action but the result is nothing but crime.
    We normally never keep quite or let others to damage our own belongings. If anybody damage our property or even tear out our shirt we used to go to the higher level of angry. Even we will go to the level of filing case against them in court of law or filing complaint against them in the police station.
    I have seen persons closing the road side water taps flowing with water as unclosed or improperly closed water taps. In one area of outskirt Chennai I saw a person switching off the street lights on the early mornings while going for walking.
    I used to switch off the fans running in the marriage halls, even I went there for attending functions of others, if running without any persons. Many used to walk here and there as unnoticed but it is our duty to save the power for our future use, though the subjected party pay for such consumption.

  • #770091

    Points:5
    We do not have any such right. We should never indulge in destruction of public properties and actually stop anyone who is engaged in such an anti-national activity. In a family every member of the family has to take care of its belongings and common property and then only the family will be safe and secure and will progress in due course of time. Even if a single family member defaults and goes against this common effort, the family will disintegrate and will become vulnerable to outside forces. Our country is just like a family, of course a big family, where so many people are living together. It is imperative that every member of this big family has to take care of its belongings and common property so that the country can flourish and progress.
    The Govt collects various types of taxes and out of that provides us some common facilities like roads, buses, trains, hospitals, educational facilities at a nominal rates. These facilities are meant for the common people and are used by them in connection with their daily course of activities. If some evil elements destroy these facilities then the common people are the sufferers. Why we should suffer because of bad deeds of a handful of persons who do not have any respect and honour for national public properties.
    Destroying public properties is not only a criminal offence but it is like burning one's own house. It is the duty of the elders in the society to inculcate feelings of care for public property in the minds of younger people so that our young generation understands the value of public facilities and takes care in protecting it.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #770093

    Points:5
    Indian constitution has given all the citizens some fundamental rights. At the same time, the same constitution has mentioned the fundamental duties of citizens. There are 11 fundamental duties. In these fundamental duties, there is one duty that says about Safeguarding public property and abjuring violence. So destroying public property is against this fundamental duty. But courts can't enforce these fundamental duties.
    It is the fundamental duty of the citizens to protect public property. So how can we think that it is a right? The constitution has given us six fundamental rights. But it is not one among them. We are forgetting our duties but fighting for our rights.
    Such actions should be controlled by bringing these duties also under the preview of the courts by making law by the parliament. Such acts should be viewed seriously and punish the people responsible for such acts severely. Then only such things will get controlled.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #770094

    Points:5 (₹ 4)
    I think this post is an awareness in respect to protection of public properties. The taxes we pay to the government are culminated in the form of public access to road, public buses upgradation, eco friendly street lamps at night to walk with ease, public parks, and many more. Many people out of agitation destroy public properties with no valid cause in order to protest against the government actions and laws. It's quite justifiable to not agree with the amendment by the government but there are peaceful ways to protest against the government. Protest for a good cause is good for the public. But, violence is not the solution to make things work. Policemen charge lathicharge against protesters and put them into jail for violation charges. It's better to maintain our own esteem and move to court in case of any difference in opinion with the government.
    If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.

  • #770095

      

    Points:5
    Annu Yadav has come to the crux of the matter. The discussion is not just about public property. Obviously, nobody is going to support the view that it is ok to destroy property! The core of the GD is whether or not dissenting voices should be punished.

    In my opinion, to a certain extent, yes, we do need some kind of detriment to stop the mayhem that is unleashed when a dissenting voice is raised. Since we are a democracy, by all means, stage a protest, raise banners, shout, and let your voice be heard (in decent language, of course). However, don't go to extremes. Let us take an example of a campus protest. Should you force students and/or faculty to join in who do not want to participate in such a protest? Should you disrupt classes and spoil the academic years of students who have come to study?

    The level of punishment meted out should depend on the level that the protest has escalated if at all. It is not right to impose a hefty fine or punish in any other way those who are protesting peacefully. Should we mute dissenting voices? Definitely not! A few people in a group of protestors may go to extremes and set a vehicle on fire, throw stones, etc. Such people should face the consequences of their actions. But- On the other side of the coin, as Annu Yadav also rightly pointed out, why lathi-charge peaceful protestors? What need is there to round them up and throw them into jail?
    When you make a commitment, you create hope. When you keep a commitment you create trust! ~ John C. Maxwell

  • #770100

    Points:5
    A series of agitation in the recent past has resulted in damage to the public property where the states have made or no efforts for its recovery from the people engaged in such crimes.
    A survey made in this regard has estimated the damage to the extent of 1800 to 2000 crores during the Jat Stir in Haryana in 2016. Gujarat in the year 2015 took its toll as vandals torching around 660 government vehicles and 1822 public buildings.
    Kerala has witnessed the epicentre of Sabarimala protests in 2018 leading to damage 45 state owned buses.
    If we recall back the protests of Shaheen Bagh Delhi in the early of 2020 as a result of Citizen Amendment Act, we could notice the loss of lives of the people as a result of violent protests.
    The court once tried to corner the the individuals responsible for initiating, promoting or instigating the act of violence with the proper punishment even to the extent of compensating the losses but still the law is pending since 2015.
    Considering the escalation of such agitations, a strict law is to be made to pinpoint the culprits awarding them the best punishments including the recovery of dues to arrest such horrors.

  • #770102

    Points:5
    I do not know much about politics. I would like to present my views on the subject raised in this forum. No one has the right to destroy public property as they are bought and maintained with the money which we citizens pay to the government by way of taxes. Further, we are the ones who use public property. For example, when public buses are burnt and destroyed, we are the ones who would suffer due to this. Any agitation or violence leads to the suffering of the innocent public. Lakhs of rupees go down the drain when public property is damaged ruthlessly.

    Any responsible citizen would never stoop down to such a level which is equivalent to setting fire to your own house. Regarding recovering the money from those who had destroyed public assets would not be an easy task. Punishing them with imprisonment would be a better option but does not seem to be the best one.

    In my opinion, as the proverb rightly says, we can cut a diamond only with a diamond, a group of the public who oppose damaging public property can countercheck those who do it deliberately. But, how many are ready to fight against the strong group of people who want to indulge in such horrible acts and terrorize those who come forward to question them?

  • #770103

    Points:4
    There are two aspects. The main question asked is whether destroying public property is a right. By any means, the answer is no only.
    But the second point is to raise dissenting voice. When there is a genuine issue and because of the actions of the government or other local bodies if the public is at risk and some injustice is happening to a common man, there is nothing wrong with raising the voice. But in that pretext, one should not spoil the property. There are many ways to protest and express our anger.
    Again raising a voice with a selfish motto or because of some political reasons is also not right.
    There should be justifiable reasons for our dissent. Such dissenting voices should not be punished. In a democracy, it is our right to voice our views in a proper way that should not be treated as an offence.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #770104

    Points:5
    Destroying public property is a big issue in many countries and generally these things are instigated by some politicians or some local influential evil elements who have got vested interests behind these destructions and disorders. These people want to attract the attention of government as well as public towards these destructions so that everyone becomes aware and starts thinking as how to catch these people or punish them or tell them not to do such destructive things. These evil people get a sadistic pleasure out of these activities. Generally, these activities are carried out through a mob or a large group of people so that chances of getting caught and punished get reduced.
    Gullible people can always be easily instigated by these evil elements in the disguise of criticizing Government for not doing anything for the common people. They will cite that there is big unemployment and lack of job opportunities for the common people and on one side some people are becoming richer and richer day by day but the poor is becoming poorer and no one is bothering for their welfare. By hearing such remarks some of the people get agitated and then they become blind and start harming the public properties which is no way a solution for any such problem. It is like transferring someone's anger on something to some other thing. In some cases it is the frustration of some common people that manifests in such a dirty way.
    Simply Government nabbing these culprits and punishing them will not help. Society also has to play it's role effectively in this matter. The responsible and matured citizens have to take a lead in having vigil and allertness in their areas and not allowing anyone to do such activities. Sometimes that might lead to conflicts and confrontations but when a large number of people in the society are against these destructions and check everyone for not doing it then definitely there will be improvement and such incidents will reduce.
    Parents should inculcate good traits in their children and make them aware about the importance of public properties and its relation to the growth and progress of our country. In schools and colleges also emphasis is to be given on this aspect. We have to teach our younger generation the importance of taking care of public and national properties which is made available by the Government through the hard earned money of tax payers.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #770105

    Points:5
    We must keep in mind that destruction of public property is not likely to offer any tangible solutions regarding the issues we face. This ultimate step reflects our frustration and disappointment towards government for the steps not palatable to us. But why to take this ultimate steps of burning buses, trains, buildings belonging to public for getting our solutions? In no way, such an irresponsible acts of ours can yield any positive solution to our expectations. Peaceful agitation could be the lasting solution to such unpleasant steps of the government and to multiply the effects of our agitation, we could take the people in confidence of the other areas as well by means of its wide circulation through the social media, paper or even peaceful demonstration. The impact might not be immediate but it would produce its effects definitely.
    Destruction of public property would ultimately make us more unhappy if further taxes are raised from the public who are the end users.

  • #770107

    Points:5 (₹ 5)
    Every member is in favour that public properties or individual properties should not be destroyed. Whenever a demand is raised and it is genuine, we should take immediate action and it is resolved. Sometimes we take action after a long time and hence a bitter condition is created. If we take action on time, we can avoid unfavourable conditions.

    The people do not destroy the property on the very first day of agitation. When they observe that nobody is going to listen to their voice, they agitate had start to damage the property. Though it is wrong, they think that there is no other option before them. So, sometimes immediate action on time can avoid this type of bitter experience.
    Honesty is the best policy.

  • #770108

    Points:2
    In my opinion, it is right to impose a heavy penalty as a punishment. We have observed that these types of agitations are generally done by a group of students. If we impose a penalty for such type of action, we are punishing their parents by imposing such a high penalty.
    Honesty is the best policy.

  • #770110

    Points:5
    The present Active GD wants to discuss two basic questions. These two questions are: 1. Do you think we have the right to destroy public property? 2. Is there anything wrong in holding a dissenting opinion?
    The topics of these two debates are such that everyone would answer these two questions in the negative. Everyone will say "No" to these two questions.
    But is this the end? Of course, no. Rather, that is the beginning of the debate.
    The political leaders from all political would say that they don't support destruction of public properties in the name of dissent. These political leaders would always state that in a democracy like India, dissent is essential.
    But, coming out of the debate or from the television studio, most of these political and social leaders would encourage their follower to vandalise public properties. After vociferously supporting dissent, the political leaders would issue arrest warrants in the states where they enjoy power, to arrest and silence the dissenting voices.
    This is nothing but hypocrisy.
    Now, let us discuss these two issues threadbare. I would start from the period of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. I would start from 1947 itself.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #770111

    Points:4
    In my view, destroying any kind of property whether private or public is a crime. Most people always demand their rights but forget about duty. It is very easy to destroy any thing but very difficult to construct anything. You can destroy a building within a minute with help of a bulldozer but takes many years to complete the building. So, before taking such steps people should think thousand times. We must protect public property because it has been constructed with taxes of the public. So, how can you easily destroy public property? I think if anybody dares to commit such a crime they should be punished hardly so that other people should take a lesson and don't repeat such crimes in near future.

  • #770112

    Points:5
    (from my previous response)
    Jawaharlal Nehru is hailed as a beacon of liberalism, but ironically, immediately after independence, he threatened the displaced Hindus and Sikhs from West Pakistan when they demanded electricity and water in their camp in Delhi. He threatened to order firing and even bringing tanks to teach these hapless, have-nots refugees a suitable lesson.

    Within two years of the Constitution coming into force, Nehru brought the first Amendment to the Constitution stifling the voice of free press and right to dissent. During his tenure as the Prime Minister, Nehru banned many books, songs, articles, periodicals and arrested some artistes like Majrooh Sultanpuri. Majrooh Sultanpuri was arrested Majrooh Sultanpuri got arrested for reciting poetry against Jawaharlal Nehru at a meeting organised for mill workers in Mumbai.
    Not only that, Nehru started dismissing elected governments in states. He dismissed EMS Nambudripad led elected government in Kerala. Nehru continued spying on most of the family-members of Netaji thus curbing their freedom fearing dissent from the family-members of Netaji.

    This tradition was continued and made stronger by Nehru's daughter and India's third Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #770115

    Points:5
    As mentioned by Umesh political leaders with their selfish mottos raise the tempers of innocent people and make them scapegoats. There are many innocent people who lost their lives in such agitations where the politicians will be behind and normal people will be exposed. Telangana agitation is one such agitation. In this agitation, many students died but KCR and his family got the advantage and they are now enjoying it. The families of the poor students who die in the agitation are suffering. In the majority of issues, only innocent people only suffer. It may be Nehru. Indira or KCR, when they are in power they don't want any voice to raise against them. But when they are not in power they make innocent people raise their voices and suffer.
    In a democracy, every citizen can air his/her views. The dissent should not be a politically inclined dissent. But the majority of agitations are politically motivated only.
    A common man should understand how he is getting deceived by these politicians. Generally, a citizen who is not having any inclination towards politics and is busy with his family affairs and job issues, will not take part in such agitations. Only people who are having some interest in politics or some goons hired by politicians and some innocent students only will be seen as active in these agitations. By raising their voice, they are only losing and the people behind are getting extra mileage. I don't know how we have to control this.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #770122

    Points:5
    Our main purpose is to protect public property being the sensible citizens of this country. This must be taught within the family itself that we should not indulge in such activities causing loss of public assets. This should be the part of lessons to take care of public properties in the same way they are taking care of their family- assets. Such lessons from their homes would definitely discourage them from destruction of public assets.
    The second part is the instigation of the opposition leaders to opt for vandalism taking up buss burning or train burning with the constant provocations of the so called leaders. They should not be impulsive at least in resorting to unfair practices at least when the agitation has started.
    Such rational steps would definitely help in protecting the public properties. We have to develop our own kids giving them healthy cultures where every assets are important to us and accordingly this must be protected.

  • #770123

    Points:5
    Destroying public property is like burning our own houses. But how we can make the people to understand this basic fact which is related to the progress and prosperity of our society as well as our country. Leaders and senior people in the country are supposed to guide the people in a correct direction. If some of them fail to do so and instead of that they provoke and instigate people for creating damages to the public properties, which are common property and are there for the benefit of common people, then the real problem starts.
    If the protector himself becomes the destroyer then how can we solve the problem? It is not that every leader will be like that but even a small percentage is sufficient to create fire in the minds of people for carrying out mindless destructions.
    Punishment should be there but the basic change is required in the mindset of the people who are either provoking or doing this kind of negative activities.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #770125

    Points:5
    Punishment is to be given? Agreed. But to whom. People who are in the front are to be given or people who are behind the seen and exposing the innocent are to be punished. This is the question.
    When a party is ruling the country, the opposition should be constructive and they should support the government when they are doing good work for the betterment of the nation. But when the government is going out of its way and trying to its selfish gains, the opposition should raise its voice. Then only democracy will work all right. If any one of the two or both fails in doing that, we will see innocent people getting hurt.
    Another unfortunate issue is the law and order protecting wing is also becoming hand in glove with one or the other political party and behaving in a different way.
    It all depends on the leader. There were leaders who raised their voices against the government when there is a need and worked for the welfare of the people. Such leaders are the need of the hour. The public can express their dissent against the policies of the government, if necessary, under the guidance of such leaders, I feel.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #770126

    Points:5
    The task of safeguarding of public property could be easy if the opposition parties understand their roles in restoring the peace of the country. Of course, the role of the opposition is more important for the overall progress of the country and to achieve this, both the opposition and ruling parties have to follow uniform stands that their comments should not aggravate the public sentiments providing them chance of agitation.
    Both the parties opposition and ruling should sit together to find out the amicable ways to diffuse the alarming situation if at all it has developed. Exchange of ideas of both ruling and opposition can go together in the normalisation of the aggravated situation. Now the question is how far these leaders come forward to accept such responsible roles in diluting the prevailing situation would depend upon their committed actions. Though this could be an ideal situation but it can be achieved through a little tact of all leaders.

  • #770130

    Points:5
    (from my previous response)

    Indira Gandhi proved to be more intolerant towards freedom of expression and freedom of dissent. Her intolerance reached its zenith in 1975, when she declared emergency. Her popularity and India's democracy index reached its nadir. Indira Gandhi returned to power in 1980 after a brief Janata experiment, In this tenure also, Indira continued attacking right to dissent in various ways. Her son Rajeev brought infamous Defamation Bill.
    After the Congress rule, other political parties also attacked this right to dissent. The party leaders give lectures about protecting right to dissent and then try their level best to smother dissenting voice in their own areas of influence. For example, the terrible events which happened yesterday and today in West Bengal prove this contention.
    This unfortunate tendency is now being witnessed in other arena. In print media, television and even in social media we can see this trend. People always talk big, but try to stiffle right to dissent. Even judiciary also shows this trend occasionally.
    As a common man, I must say that if we take dissent as right, then it must be absolute. It must not be selective. If you can abuse me, then you must be prepared to face abuse. There is no ifs and buts. If you apply ifs and buts, it must be uniform.
    This much on right to dissent is sufficient.
    Now I am going to take up the issue of destruction of public property in the name of dissent.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #770133

    Points:5
    The 'Rail Roko' stir is also a movement wherein some public property is at stake. Showing dissent is acceptable, but no citizen has the right to destroy public property, and they also do not have the right to create trouble in other citizens' lives. People who travel from one place to another can have some emergency, and stopping the train from moving ahead makes a huge problem in their personal lives. Why should the passengers face trouble and even suffer financially or loss of life because of another group of persons' stir? Do not damage public property does not signify that the agitators have the right to damage the lives of citizens. The citizens are the sufferers, so the impact of damaging a property falls on the general citizens. It's a big no that no agitator has the right to spoil any national property or stop public transport.
    shampasaid

  • #770134

    Points:5
    #770095
    The question raised is that when violent protest is not acceptable, should a government also take any devastating step to curb a peaceful protest? Once the government uses strength to stop agitation, the agitators will change their gear. Both sides need to respect each other by protecting lives and national property as they would do to protect their home and family. Blaming the government or the agitators becomes easy, according to our convenience. I would say that both are at fault when they choose the extreme path. Destruction is bound to happen when the people in power, the government or any organization, fail to maintain calm. Each section expects respect, and without it, destruction becomes a norm. General people deserve respect but receive disrespect, then angry citizens stoop low and damage public property. I do not support such a method of protest, but the question is: will the government or an organizational head try to listen to the dissenting voices with due respect?
    shampasaid

  • #770135

    Points:5
    There are many ways of presenting the dissent by the people but destroying public property is not acceptable at any cost. Whenever there is a protest or agitation done there are two parties involved in it. One side Government is there and other side the group of people who are doing that agitation. Government should allow the peaceful demonstrations and should not create any blockade in that but at the same time the group of people should also understand that destroying the public property is something like doing harm to themselves and they should refrain from that. What these people should do is they should involve more and more people in the agitation. If they have a genuine reason for doing the protest then many like minded people will come forward and join it. As more and more people join the protest, it gets the attention of Government also and Government will have to sort out and give some solution for the problem. The ruling party is also always worried about its vote bank and they will not like to lose it just like that. So the leaders who are managing the protest or agitation should have a clear thought in their mind that they should not allow any of their group members to do any destructive activity but at the same time they should strengthen their movement by mass awareness and make it a nationwide stir and then Government will have to call for talks. If a majority of people is fighting for something good then Government will have to consider it. Sometimes such agitations require patience also. Resulting in destructive activities will only dilute the issue and agitation will fail miserably.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #770137

    Points:5
    In my previous responses, I wanted to establish that since the very beginning of the journey of newly independent India, the governments have tried to block the right to dissent. It was started by the Congress and gradually adopted by all political parties. This attack on right to dissent coupled with intellectual hypocrisy of blaming others while continuing the same in its sphere of influence has now spread in media and judiciary also. We, the common Indians, want that right to dissent without any ifs and buts for all, or, right to dissent with limitations, equally applicable for all.
    Now let us come to destruction of public property.
    As a student in Calcutta, I noticed this particular trend since my teen-age. In every case of dissent, students used to vandalise Government properties. First such case was noticed by me when I was in IXth standard. I could never accept the vandalisation of public property since the very beginning. Not only students, political leaders also encouraged their followers (many of whom come to the bracket of middle-age) to destroy public property while condemning other parties for the act of vandalisation.
    Later, when I joined Government service, I noticed this trend almost everywhere except in some South Indian states. Unfortunately, now this terrible trend of destruction of public property has been initiated in these states also.
    However, during the last seven-eight years, I notice a perceptible change in attitude among common people. They are dead against destruction of public properties during agitation. This has been supported by some far-sighted political parties.
    This change in attitude among common men has been changing the entire scenario.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #770138

    Points:4
    Attitudes of the people particularly youngsters would change certainly with the time and it would be difficult for the politicians to instigate them for vandalisation of the public property since their inbuilt scene would not allow them to go ahead for spoiling the assets in the fate of rages. They would have better control of emotions restricting them to go in for destruction and this set of discipline could be due to culture of the families.
    If such favourable situations occur at the later stage, it could frustrate the attempts of the political leaders to encourage the mobs for vandalism.

  • #770141

    Points:5
    Sending protest letters to the concerned or sending representations to the higher authorities for corrective action, even slogans shouting against the people responsible for the problem or even relay fasting are acceptable for venting our anger and showing our dissent. When some people are taking such steps to protest, the concerned authorities should initiate a dialogue with the agitating party and see that there will be some understanding between the two and the outcome should be useful for the citizens of the country. Such dissents are acceptable. But many times it will not stop there.
    Even in industries, I have seen workers protesting against management and during that agitation, they may stop production. Even stopping production also will come under destructive activities. So management will negotiate with them and see that production will not hopper. In the same way, in public life also government should understand the reasons for dissent and react in a proper so that the agitation will not become violent.
    Here both parties that are the government as well as agitating people should control things in such a way that no damage to public property. Here the role of the police is also crucial and they should be patient enough in controlling the agitating mob.
    I agree with Partha. Some change in the attitude of people is seen and we are not hearing much about the destruction of public property, of course, not completely stopped.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #770143

    Points:4
    There is not a single member who supports the destruction of public or individual properties. Morally nobody will favour such things. But the main question is why people are so agitated that they destroy public and individual properties.

    I want to add some more points about the problem and its reasons. Our academic and curricular activities should be so designed that students must know the value and importance of the properties. Once they know the value and importance they will think twice before destroying them.
    Honesty is the best policy.

  • #770157

    Points:5
    The common people have now understood the hypocrisy of most of the political parties. They have started expressing open resentment over destruction of public properties by the hoodlums of the political parties.
    Fortunately some political parties (although the number of such parties is very few) have quickly understood the resentment of common people over such destruction of public property in the name of dissent. Such political parties have started taking measures to prevent this menace in those states where they rule. These political parties and the governments/local administration controlled by them are now freely using JCBs (in common parlance, bulldozers) on private properties owned by the culprits involved in vandalizing public properties. In addition, punitive tax imposed on the culprits has also become very popular.
    Now, some so-called liberal-minded political parties and governments run by such parties have started taking action, or, are being forced by the Courts to take action against the vandalizers. Very recently, CPI(M)-led Government in Kerala was forced by the High Court of Kerala to take action against the communal hooligans of PFI. In West Bengal , the TMC-led Government has also announced punitive action against the vandalizers (it is relevant to state that earlier, CPI(M) and TMC leaders encouraged destruction of public property).
    What a change!!!
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #770160

    Points:5
    The attitude of the political parties will change when they are in power and when they are out of power. Whatever may be the case, there is no right for anybody to destroy public property. At the same time airing dissent should not be punished as long as it is within its limits. A common man should be aware of the value of the public property and should safeguard them. They should not be impulsive under the influence of selfish politicians. The leaders who lead the agitation should control the gathering and see that they will never go for the destructive act. There should be a law in place to punish people who spoil public property. Teachers and parents should try to educate their wards and students properly from the initial stages so that they will understand how they should act themselves in such situations where some dissent is to be aired.
    These are my conclusive remarks for this GD. I thank ISC for giving me an opportunity to participate in this. The speciality of this GD is all the participants are of the same opinion on the issues raised in the GD.
    drrao
    always confident

  • #770163

    Points:4
    After reading the opinions of the respected members, I truly believe what the member in his post #770143 has mentioned about the importance of adding the need to safeguard our national properties in the academic curricula. I second his opinion. It is a must then only they would know that destroying the country's property is wrong, and they have to raise their voice against it. The upcoming generation would learn to judge the various acts and take the right decision. No political party or senior citizens of the country can wrongly motivate youngsters to destroy national property.

    Not only would they object to the notion of ruination, but they will also try to motivate people in the right direction. It will help in protecting the country from ransacking. Here I would like to add that even the upper generation in each family has a role to play. The awakened citizens can only suggest that in the textbooks: there should be a chapter on the demerits of ruining national property. The authorities will include it in curricula that are not in the hands of the general citizens. Thus I feel parents have a role in making the children understand the importance of national assets and how to respect it. If parents fulfil their duty sincerely, curbing the national loss could be possible.
    shampasaid

  • #770171

      

    Points:1
    The thread was locked by mistake and hence will keep it open till today evening as a corrective measure. Keep posting your views till then.
    'Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all'.
    -Aristotle

  • #770174

    Points:2
    It would all depend upon the sensitivity of people including the leaders irrespective of their status opposition or ruling to behave in the rational ways so that there is no chances of agitation providing the people for vandalism. This needs a strict discipline among the leaders to encourage discipline among the people of different cross sections.

  • #770175

    Points:4
    Now I want to conclude my views in this post. It is clear from the above discussion that the destruction of public or individual properties cannot be justified at any cost. But we should try to aware people about the importance and values of public property. We should be aware of the youth (who are responsible for the destruction of property) that it is not a legitimate method of raising your voice. They should use constitutional methods.

    Our politicians should also an important role in the same. They should not use the power of the youth in destruction instead of this they can use the power of the youth in the construction of a good and developed nation.

    The youth are our national treasure and we should adopt all the necessarily measure to use then wisely and in a positive manner.
    Honesty is the best policy.

  • #770179

    Points:5
    Concluding my part in this group discussion I want to emphasize that destruction of public property is definitely a crime but we have to go in more details about the reasons and background in which people do it or are prompted to do it. It is obvious that what we require is a good governance at one side and citizen participation in nation building on the other side. Each and every family is responsible to the society and country in one way or other. We cannot say that government has done like this and done like that and so we will take revenge by destructing the public property. That would be a foolish perception of the things.
    In an honest and sincere governance as at the top things will move in right directions and rules regulation and other framework will be made in the favour of the common public of the country, it would definitely bring the positive change in the mindset of the people. Once that is achieved the dissatisfaction and anger of people will dissolve down and feeling of sharing will start emerging from the hearts of the common people. The ruling regime should always work in that direction and take people with it whenever it wants to take some crucial decisions which are of an importance. There are some basic requirements of the people of any country and some of these are employment opportunities, social and financial security, avenues for growth, and other such things. If the government is able to provide these things then there is no reason why people should unnecessary go for destructive activities. It is actually frustration of people that manifests in various ways and one of the unfortunate but prominent presentation is destruction of public properties.
    Knowledge is power.

  • #770184

    Points:5 (₹ 5)
    No one would dispute to the fact that it is wrong to destroy the public property and that we should silence dissenting voices.

    Going through all the above responses, especially through Mr. Partha's argument which unsurprisingly aligns with the argument of the ruling party. For anything and everything, blame congress. It's as if, since congress did it, its very much justified if the ruling party does it. I see that he has conveniently dropped, how the ruling party has gone on a rampage to arrest and silence the dissenting voices in our country,

    As said, its an undeclared emergency in our country, Is it ok to ignore their action and steps towards the citizens of India just because you support their ideologies?

    Public property should never be destroyed, there are so many ways to peacefully raise our concerns to the concerned authority, But what should the protestors do when they protests are deliberately infiltered to destroy the purpose of the protest?

    Unfortunately, today's mainstream media is defending the government and questioning the opposition party. When the media should have questioned the government and given voice to the people, they are doing the opposite.

    When the government doest work in the best interest of the people, people will protest, They will have to listen to the voices and not resort to silencing them, Punish the culprits if it is proven that they have destroyed public property.

    After all, even politicians exploits the tax payers money, what punishment do we give them. All I see is they get rewarded and voted back to power with even more majority. So punishment shouldn't just be for the protestors but also to those politicians who break their electoral promises, they should be made answerable.

  • #770189

    Points:5
    Will try to attach a media, this one is a very popular one. Probably, you would have come across this image. Media plays a very big responsibility. In today's time, they are hugely opiniated instead of sharing the news. They have a great influence on the people. In the below image, the media shows, the victim as the culprit whereas the truth is something else.

    Before judging, and punishing the culprits, it should be proven that the people responsible had actually destroyed the public property. Sending out JCB and destroying, peoples property is not democracy, that is cruelty.

    Dissenting voice should be encouraged, if feel that nowadays, it has reduced, then we have a problem, You are not being informed by the media. Somewhere the truth is getting silenced.

    Image source is from the Internet.

    I wanted to attach an image, I am not able to do so. Basically it was an image about a man chasing another man with a knife but the camera man shows it in such a way, where the leg of the man who is running is shown as the dagger from the shadow and the man holding the knife is shown as victim.

    This is my closing argument.

  • #770198

    Points:0
    Sorry, can't conclude my argument. Very busy.
    (a) Those who have forgotten Noakhali, how can they protest Sandeshkhali?
    (b) Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it. ---------- Salvador Dali

  • #770203

    Points:5
    I wish to conclude my argument by highlighting that each citizen has a duty to their motherland. Citizens from any political party or any other without any connection with politics are bound to work for the betterment of the country. Failing to abide by it is going against the nation. Whenever there is any destruction, and to control it, If Supreme Court has to intervene, it clearly shows that the citizens are not dutiful towards their motherland. If we can love our home and family, we must understand that country is our bigger home. A personal family is a small unit, while my nation's citizens make a large family for every individual. We all are dutybound towards our country. We must learn and adopt this viewpoint at the earliest to give importance to giving. To take away something is easy than to give, but a perfect citizen knows the importance of giving. Forsaking the attitude of vandalism and strengthening the country from the grassroots level is the need of the hour to bring stability in sentiment and emotion. Once citizens learn to love and respect their country, the national property will not get destroyed, and the courts can take up emergency matters, so there will be no need for the courts to intervene.,
    shampasaid


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