The recent “encounter” of
eight fugitive under trials at Bhopal seems to have galvanised many
people to express their solidarity and
support with the action by the Madhya Pradesh police because the persons killed
were “terrorists” . I find many people justifying the deaths and the manner
they were gunned down . The state government
and particularly the Chief Minister also believes that this was a right
approach to handle law and order , particularly alleged terrorists . He has
also refused to enquire the matter , because according to him , there is no
need of any enquiry. However, the entire episode has thrown many questions
which remain unanswered and demands a thorough probe , if not for the reasons
of alleged violation of human rights by the police but the safety and security
of the citizen and the country.
Before discussing the incident and the glaring incongruities
, let us look into how the supporters of the “encounter” are justifying the apparently extra Judicial
elimination of the alleged criminals by the state security apparatus. The first thing which strikes is the brazen
disregard for procedures . As some people have said - “If the encounter is real then salute to
the M.P. police. If it is indeed a fake then double salute to them “. Now this
sort of rabid affirmation may look very good for roadside discussions ,
Whatsapp , twitter and facebook posts and comments but actually it shows a psyche of deep intolerance with the legal process. And discrimination
between human lives. But then , if
people of a country agree to fake encounters , then it is a real problem
for the nation, because that reflects a blood thirsty mind which believes in
the dictum of - an eye for an eye.
Then we have some others who are justifying the killings by
pointing to the long drawn legal process
. Well that points out to the failure of the government machinery to provide
the country with adequate number of
judges , lack of fast track courts to deal with terrorism and the incompetence
of the police administration particularly , to prepare foolproof and watertight
charge sheets against the offenders . It
is a combination of governmental apathy and administrative insufficiencies that
has made the legal process a tortuous journey
for everybody concerned , other than those who are exploiting the system for
their own gains. We must all have heard
the saying – “Justice delayed is justice denied “ . That may sound a cliché in
India. But surely that delay can’t be a
ground to bump off alleged criminals . Then there is no difference with a lynch
mob or a kangaroo court . Police is
supposed to maintain law and order , not to break them . Even when it appears to be the only solution.
Some comments like – “ How long can we serve these
terrorists with Biryani and bear the
cost “ have been made . This is a most
ridiculous argument because the country has to bear the burden of segregating
the delinquent from the general public and let them face their punishment . We
can only punish the offenders in the legal manner under the constitutional
provisions and detain them as human
beings . If f this sentiment of eliminating prisoners for the reason of cost
cutting is allowed to prevail then that
day will not be far off when demands will be raised for killing the old, infirm
and disabled persons . Can we afford to do that really.
There are people who have hailed the operation with their
approval saying - “Terrorists deserve to be killed in this manner “. Serves
them right “ . This is a very dangerous viewpoint because it just trashes the
concept of law , justice, rights , ethics , morality , governance,
administration , everything. Pointing repeatedly to the fact that those killed were under trial
prisoners do not matter in the face of the passionate outcry of jingoism because passion also becomes a fashion
during such times of mass hysteria aided
by demagoguery of politicians to inflame
and divert the attention of people from the real issues. And not surprisingly ,for these people everybody
who opposes the views and ideology to
which they themselves subscribe is a terrorist . Muslims , Kashmiris , Naxals , Nagas ,
Dalits, JNU students , film stars , liberals , seculars ….. the list is endless
.
But the most insidious of comments that has been made are by
an Union minister , that too from the home affairs who is
supposed to uphold the law and order of the country . His statement - “Stop habit of questioning authorities,
police as it is not good to raise questions on security forces dealing with
terrorists just on the basis of videos”, gives the game away and provides us a peep into the fascist
mind and the diabolical plot to subvert the whole system . It may have been the exasperation in dealing
with the numerous questions which have prompted the minister to make such a
comment but then questions arise only
where doubts exist . And doubts are created by intent of your actions and the
content of your operations , dear minister .
Instead of asking people to stop asking questions , you may better
examine why questions are being raised on whatever you are doing. And why is
there a deep distrust of the actions that your government is resorting to. Why
nobody believes you anymore . Not even those who are supporting you . They are
riding the bandwagon knowing fully well that whatever you are doing is hyped , fake and is being done
only to win elections .
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