In his latest speech on 30th of June 2020, while addressing the nation, PM Modi emphatically used a phrase multiple times “rokna hoga, tokna hoga” (will have to stop, will have to interrupt). This striking and noticeable statement was used to order to ensure the safety and security of citizens from novel coronavirus. However, it became an irony for netizens when such concerns were shown amid many other atrocities on which the government kept mum.
The cases of COVID-19 in India has risen up to – 627,168 with 18,225 deaths. The figure is haunting looking at the rapid pace of the growth. India is beginning to enter in the unlock phase even though the cases are at its peak. The phase-1 of unlock was observed from 8th June to 30th June and from July 1, the next phase of unlock is on the go. Thus, to address the nation to give the instructions regarding safety and security, Modi’s interacted through a live session and passed a statement that was taken too literally by some people and they started demanding this concern for other issues as well.
Issues that were raised post ‘rokna hoga, tokna hoga’
Ø People demanded ‘a stop on increasing unemployment’
In the last 6 years, India has been observing many negatives for the very first time. One of those is increasing rate of unemployment. At 7.78% the unemployment rate of the country was at a record high in February 2020.
Ø People demanded ‘a stop on curbing Freedom of Speech and Expression’
While the constitution of India provides freedom of speech and expression to all its citizens, the ‘Naya Bharat’ is on the way to abrogate it. According to reports, as many as 55 FIRs were filed against various journalists while the lockdown was in progress.
Ø People demanded ‘a stop on Crimes Against Women’
With the increase in criminal activities against women, India was ranked as the world’s most dangerous country for women in 2018.
Ø People demanded ‘a stop on Migrant Crisis’
Due to the novel coronavirus, lakhs of migrant workers living in Metropolitan cities, mainly in Delhi and Mumbai were forced to take off on foot. Sadly, hundreds of them lost their lives to hunger and accidents.
Ø People demand ‘a stop on Custodial Deaths’
Although custodial deaths were like a new normal in the country and no significant heed was paid to it until the case of father-son in Tamil Nadu. In 2019 alone, India recorded 1731 custodial deaths, that is – 5 deaths daily.
Ø People demanded ‘a stop on Crimes Against Minorities’
Amnesty International reports that – 65% of the hate crimes in India are committed against Dalits.
Ø People demanded ‘a stop on Destruction of Constitutional Values’
The fabric of the Indian constitution was put on stake when in 2019 a controversial Citizenship Amendment Act was passed by the government of India in the Parliament, bypassing the constitutional routes.
Ø People demanded ‘a stop on Building Statues’
A country like India where unemployment rates never cease to rise, hunger never waits to take lives, and poverty never seems to alleviate – a Statue worth Rs 3000 crores built-in 2018 took everyone to shock.
Ø People demanded ‘a stop on writing off defaulter’s loans’
While the farmers of India are committing suicides every year due to the non-availability of enough resources and cash to run their homes or they are in high debts, banks in India technically write off loans of top defaulters worth Rs68,000 crore.
Ø People demanded ‘a stop on Unequal Representation of Gender’
The gender gap in the Indian labor force is over 50%, reported Economic Survey. Also, the representation of women in important discussions held by PMO is zero.
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