The arrest of peaceful, unarmed youth on December 19 is in itself a crime. The CM stated on the same day that dissent has no place, again a statement that goes against the very tenet of democracy. Opposition parties reacted with mere protest statements and some meekly requested the CM not to act in such a manner. Also, some very mature opposition politicians chose to remain silent. Advocates must take up this case to its logical end. They must find out at whose behest the youth were heckled. The courts will have no alternative, but to honour democracy. There must be no compromise or out of court settlement. Any misdemeanour of justice will prove costly to our rights.
