Communal Amity
The present state of affairs in our society is no doubt a curse to the mankind. This is certainly due to our disloyalty to God. We have d4eviated from the noble path of humanity. The onset of Ramzam month is an excellent opportunity to realize and fulfill the objectives of mankind. Like other Islamic festivals, Ramzan is observed for full enlightenment. It stresses the need to share social responsibilities through sacrifice by keeping restr4aibns on all our senses. It is the right time to challenge the Muslim masses for sharing responsibilities to eradicate social and moral crisis prevailing in the society.
The crucial need of the present day India is stalwarts like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad for whom books were his life, Hindustan his heart and Islam his spirit. It is heartening to see that the government and some active organizations have realized the importance of the role of Islamic luminaries for that they have invited Fatwas on some major national communal issue our Islamic scholars should come for ward to share such national interest we should sincerely try to solve all our problems amicably on the basis of guidelines of holy Quraan. Maulana Azad has rightly tried to mobilize the Muslim masses towards the independent movement in the light of Holy Quraan. Professor Ashok Singhal, General Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad also deserved praise on soliciting his faith in Holy Quraan and inviting world accredited Islamic scholars to help solve the Babri Masjid Mosque Janmabhoomi tangle.
In the interest of general normalcy of life and healthy spirit of Islam, I appeal to my Muslim brethren to observe restrain and not to make too much of noise during pre-dawn meal. Finally, whatever the spirit of tolerance and sacrifice we develop during this month should be continued to the rest part of the year.
(The Times of India: April 18, 1990)
The sacred cow
India being the most rich nation in cultural heritage could identify the worth of numerous natural assets as sacred and hence the old mythology started worshipping them. The important mentions in this regard are the peepal tree, the sun and the most beneficial pet animal cow Besides sufficient appreciation in the Vedas and other Hindu scriptures, the worth of cow had been very much emphasized by the holy prophet Mohammad (PBUH) of course 14 centuries ago, He preached his disciples about its milk to be beneficial, its ghee to be curative in so many diseases and for bade eating of its meat as it was suggested to be harmful to the system and the health. Recently it has been reported that its excreta is good absorbent of deadly radio-active emissions as pollutants in the precious environment.
(The Pioneer: March 10, 1990)
More on cow
In continuation to my earlier letter “The sacred cow” (Pioneer, March 10 1990), I express my sincere thanks to subsequent writers on the issue. It is not the surprise to accept and appreciate anything because of belonging to a particular sect or community.
Islam preaches us that everything is meant for man’s welfare and proper use. It is the question of knowledge to gain for one’s meaningful use. No doubt the specific characteristics with cow may deal a lot in conservation of the healthy environment,. I often feel disheartened that cow still remains perhaps the most neglected animal of the society after its lactation period is over. Such tactic shows the selfish motive of us despite its established status of worship.
Often, animals are left destitute in the locality posing serious traffic hazards even in most busy points of the city like Kaiserbagh and Hazratganj. More often the foreign visitors visualize such things with great anxiety. The very old and hungry animals are often assaulted and abused even by those devotees who sometimes worship them.
It is an earnest appeal in this regard that sufficient cow homes should be established by the municipal and active organizations to check such practice and could help avert many traffic accidents. The agencies who advocate for the ban on its slaughter can perhaps do the best services in this regard.
(The Pioneer: April 18, 1990)
Seer’s arrest
Though founding fathers of our constitution have granted right to freedom of religion under article 25(I) and the right to freedom of speech and expression under article 19(I), but not up to the extent of hurting others’ beliefs, sentiments and apprehending breach of peace. The way in which these fundamental rights are being misused in the name of religion is highly deplorable. The Human Rights Activists, Amnesty Internationals and the recently held All-India Police Commissioners meet in Delhi had severely criticized the role of Hindu fundamentalism in whipping up communal hatred resulting into loss of property and lives of innocent people which darken the country’s image in world opinion.
No religious leader either Shankaracharya or the Shahi Imam is above the law of the land. When we are all under the umbrella of country’s judiciary and are bound to abide the most befitting constitution, the threat to construct the temple or alter the mosque (sub-judice) is quite illegal and unconstitutional.
Such self-styled religious leaders by provoking the masses add fuel to the fire particularly when we are facing problems of poverty, unemployment, extremists and the threat to our territorial integrity, Masses should be motivated by these religious leaders to solve national problems.
Hence the timely warning to all such activists and the arrest of Shankaracharya was the right step taken by the state government. State government has won the confidence of minorities and weaker executions.
(The Times of India: July 20, 1990)
Communalism
The forces of communalism are increasing at an alarming rate. To meet their menace Muslims have a great role to play for they are the worst sufferers. Muslim intelligentsia and Ulemas (religious leaders) should inculcate in our younger generation the spirit of patriotism. They should be taught to promote communal harmony and universal brotherhood. By exposing them to the lessons of holy Qur’an and life of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), we can erase the streak communalism in them.
(The National Herald, Lucknow: Dec 13, 1989)
Communal virus
The virus of communal fever, born out of Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi controversy has once again threatened peace and communal harmony. The common man is fully aware of the conspiracy of a handful of people at the cost of innocent lives and damage to public and personal property. It is not time to debate and argue as who has created this and who is right and who is wrong. It is evident that most of the people who cry for masjid hardly go to offer prayers in the mosque at their doorstep. For Hindus the place is sacred whereas for Muslims it is no more than an old mosque like hundreds others in disuse where not even a lamp is lit.
Viewing seriously to Islamic thoughts we find that the basic philosophy of Islam is centered on the principle of sacrifice. Our sacrifice in this respect will in no way affect our religious sanctity, rather it will spread the lesson of peaceful coexistence and the message of Islam for universal brotherhood.
(The National Herald, Lucknow: November 9, 1989)
Communal Harmony
This refers to the article on communalism by Amani (TOI. Dec.5). No doubt forces for creating communalism are increasing at alarming rate. In order to cope up such disturbances and to end communalism completely Muslims have a great role to play with prime responsibilities as they are the worst sufferers. It is high time that the Muslim intelligentsia and Ulema (religious leaders) should inculcate in our younger generation the spirit of patriotism through Islam. They should be thought to encourage communal harmony instead of struggling for narrow gains. By projecting them the objectives and lessons of holy Qur’an and the pious life of Prophet Mohammad we cannot only remove the communal hatred but will enlighten the whole society for all-round welfare. Since the Islam preaches us that the whole land is sacred then why to hit other community’s religious belief and sentiments. The Qur’an states that you should not abuse or dishonor other’s gods since they will retaliate you.
We should keep it in mind that the life of a Momin in this world is imprisoned in its reward to Heaven on dooms day in the spirit of the Quraan. Muslims are enshrined to propagate the truth and reality to the whole spectrum of society only the worship to one god-almighty and the belief in Mohammad is not sufficient to be a true and complete Momin besides they must be Swaleheen (gentleness), Sadiqueen (truthfulness), Ameen (trustee), Shakireen (thankful) and Sabireen (patience). On one occasion, one of the disciples of our Prophet (PBUH) asked Him as how to change one’s enmity into friendship. He taught us five things to follow first to salute, to shake hand, to help him in need, to praise him at the appropriate occasion and to keep always concerned about his/her help in future too. Only this way Muslims can contribute greatly in national integration and curbing the moral degradation of society instead of blaming others and indulging in group and political controversies we should have a clear vision in recognition to man. We should have great regards for leaders like Mr. Vidyadhar Gokhale a staunch RSS man who has great regard for Urdu and is the kingpin of Maharashtra State Urdu Academy and greatly popularized Ghalib in the state. We should always keep in mind that our Prophet had never preached revenge. We had deviated from noble path shown by Prophet for narrow gains.
(The Times of India, Lucknow: Dec 12, 1989)
Communalism
The situation that has arisen out of the Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhumi controversy has proved it is only the economically weaker section of both the communities that are the actual sufferers. In addition our efforts to attain national goals are hampered besides tarnishing the image of our country. The common people are acutely aware of the conspiracy of a handful of big people of narrow, political gains all at the cost of innocent lives and damage to public and personal property. It is not time to debate and argue as to who is responsible or who is right or wrong. It has become evident that most of the people who cry for the Masjid would hardly go to offer prayers at the mosque at their doorsteps.
For the Hindus the site is sacred whereas for the Muslims it is no more than any old mosque neither a true Muslim nor a devoted Hindu would ever like to keep up such kind of conflict.
Viewed seriously we find that the very basic philosophy or Islam is centered around the principle of sacrifice. It is therefore high time we come forward and hand over to our brethren a place they venerate. This will in no way affect Muslim religious feelings rather it will stand out as a supreme example-a lesson in ;peaceful coexistence and at the same time showing Islam’s regard for other beliefs and religions.
If the tangle is not resolved immediately in this manner polities and the judicial process will ensure frequent explosive situations which will strain relations further and prevent any rapprochement in the near future.
(The Times of India, Lucknow: Dec 16, 1989)
Diffusing communal tension
The highly developed virus of communal fever which has arisen out of Babri Masjid-Ram Janma Bhoomi controversy has once again threatened peace and communal harmony of citizens. The poorer sections of both the communities are the worst sufferers when there is breach of peace. In addition our national goals are hampered and the image of country becomes dirty. The common people are fully aware of the conspiracy or narrow political gains of a handful of big people at the cost of innocent lives and damage to public and personal property.
It is not the time to debate and argue as to who has brought about this situation and who is right and who is wrong. It is evident that most of the people who cry for the masjid hardly go to offer prayers at the mosque at their own doorstep. It is also true that for Hindus such place is sacred because of their belief and devotion, whereas for Muslims it is no more than an old mosque like hundreds of other places of worship in their own control which are not in use and are without light. Neither a true Muslim nor devoted Hindu would ever like to bear this kind of conflict.
Viewing Islamic thoughts seriously, we find that the very basic philosophy of Islam centers on the principle of sacrifice. It is high time to come ahead to offer it to our brethren of the majority community in deference to their religious beliefs, devotion and sentiments. This way of sacrifice will in no way affect Muslims religious sanctity rather will teach the lesson of peaceful co-existence and the message of Islam for universal brotherhood and regard to other people’s belief and religion.
If such tangle is not resolved urgently by way of sacrifice and recourse is taken to playing the game of dirty polities and long delayed judicial process, the communal virus may prove highly catastrophic.
(Patrika, Lucknow: Nov 14, 1989)
Importance of Id-ul-Zuha
As is the law of nature that nothing can be gained without significant sacrifice. Similarly for all sorts of goals to gain, one has to initially put some input as sacrifice in the hope of likelihood reward. The basic philosophy of Islam rests on this very significant concept of sacrifice, what in our own term we call “Qurbani”. The purpose of all the time Prophets was to propagate the way of practicable goodness amongst the people where every Prophet was destined to put maximum sacrifice and utmost restrain. The responsibility of all the Muslim has been put by Allah to practice and propagate the lessons of all good senses very pride all in the objectives of Supreme Command.
The yearly celebration of this great festival of Id-Ul-Zuha reminds us of spirit of such pious mission in which Prophet Ibrahim was directed to sacrifice his best and most suited valuable whereupon he finally chose his own son to fulfill the directive. On accepting this great sacrifice however the son was replaced with an animal by heavenly power. With this unique practice of sacrifice of our all kinds of valuables, comforts and amenities, it is unfortunate as to why today’s Muslims have so much deviated from this basic philosophy. It is a great challenge to today’s Muslims though out the world and the Indian Muslims in particular to realize the most timely need of this thought. It has been the common opinion of great Islamic scholars and all religious heads that if we sincerely practice such way along with showing tolerance co-operation and the universal brotherhood, we may contribute a great deal in shedding the highly rising virus of communalism, removing race and class conflicts and the deteriorating morale for all round development of the peaceful co-existence.
(Pineer, Lucknow: July 4, 1990)
Salvaging the shrine
The virus of communal fever arising out of the Babri Masjid – Ram Janmabhumi controversy has once again threatened the peace and communal harmony of all the citizens in which poor sections of both the communities are the worst sufferers. Our national goals are hampered and the image of the country is defamed widely. The common people are fully aware of the conspiracy of narrow political gains of a handful of politicians at the cost of innocent lives and damage to public and personal property. It is no time to debate and argue as to who has created this controversy and who is right and who is wrong. It is evident that most of the people who cry for Masjid hardly go to offer prayers at the mosque even at their doorstep. It is also true that for Hindus that place in Ayodhya is sacred, whereas for Muslims it is no more than an old mosque like hundreds of other disused places of worship.
The basic philosophy of Islam is centered on the principle of sacrifice. It is high time Muslims offered the site to our majority brothers for the construction of a Ram Temple. This sacrifice will in no way affect Muslims religious sanctity, rather it will be a classic lesson in peaceful coexistence and the message of Islam for universal brotherhood and regards for others sacred beliefs.
(The Hindustan Times, New Delhi: Nov 20, 1989)
Challenge to communalism
Though founding fathers of our constitution have granted right to freedom of religion under the Article 25(I) and the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(I), but not up to the extent of hurting others belief, sentiments and apprehending the breach of peace. The way in which these fundamental rights are being misused/overused in the name of religion is highly deplorable. The human rights activists, Amnesty internationals and the recently held All India police commissioners meet in Delhi had severely criticized the devastating role of Hindu fundamentalism in fanning the communal hatred resulting into the loss of property and life of innocent people which heavily tarnish the country’s image in the enlightened world opinion.
(The pioneer, Lucknow: June 24, 1990)
Nizam-e-Mustafa, Ram-Rajya Can Solve State Problems
In the modern democratic world with complete awareness of human rights and personal values, things are not so easy to be tackled by traditional political, bureaucratic and judicial processes as in days of colonial era. To govern without real assessment of people’s voice and expectations on the whims of a handful of privileged people is nothing but exploitation and suppression of human and moral values. In a too wide state, the real needy section of society is often kept ignored due to diversity in social and cultural heritage as well as greater climatic differences as in UP, MP, Bihar, etc. The big people, while to maintain their autonomy always pleaded for running wide states even at the cost of growth hampering, keeping remote people away from national mainstream thus hanging their pity fate at the mercy of opportunistic tactic of people in power more the hereditary than really deserved.
Japan and most of the tiny European Nations could cross landmark in around development probably due to their easy manageable position. Creation of Bangladesh is an example in this regard. Few small states of India namely, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Punjab and Haryana would be compared with any developed nation. High literacy rate, low birth rate, poor infant mortality and several other national goals could easily be attained in such states. While in pity wide states, the developmental statistic is often reported to be fake and manipulated besides high incidence of communal evidence atrocities on weaker sections and around failure in administration. Governing a state or Nation is not merely making laws (amending time to time), passing strictures etc. considering the territory as an area over a peace of paper rather the hearts and silent will/voice of the constituent people.
Thus applying psychoanalytical techniques, not only all odds and eventualities can be averted but the sense of real democracy can be realized in the name of either Nizam-e-Mustafa or Ram-Rajya.
(The Pioneer, Lucknow: Feb 4, 1990)
Islamic Luminaries Must Show the Light
The present state of affair in Kashmir valley, known as crown of the country is an eye opening situation for the whole of nation involving U.N. affairs.
Factors responsible for youth unrest and rampage, sense of insecurity and long term negligence of Union Government in launching much needed welfare schemes generating gainful employment, developmental works and overall neglected efforts for education medical & health care facilities, road and rail transport facilities. They had always been exploited of their due share out of their agriculture produce, instead Delhi walas and others became millionaire or billionaire of their agriculture wealth. Despite its top position in the tourism world map, no high level educational or research institutions are established. Thus the step-motherly treatment of the Union Government and the defunct state Government created such explosive situation.
Viewing present situation in relation to human rights and law and order, the international level seminars and conference should be arranged to get crystal clear solution amicably. Speedy welfare measures and developmental works should be immediately started, sufficient employment opportunities, mechanization and processing of their agriculture produce should be created to uplift their economic status and restore confidence in them. Who will create violence and indulge in antinational activities if the youth of valley really find that their interest is best safeguarded with the Indian Union. What is harm in conceding their demand of Nizam-e-Mustafa when it best solves our all problems within the constitutional frame work. India is enriched with world accredited Islamic scholars. They should be invited to formulate guidelines in this regard. The government, all party politicians, and scholars should jointly raise voice against communalizing the situation instead of demanding for scrapping Art 370 and activities of flaring up the situation.
Our defense and territorial forces should be upgraded for closed surveillance against infiltration and similar foreign based activities. Unnecessary excess propaganda in the name of foreign threats and blaming of communal politics should be checked. The accredited administrative officers of high repute and morale should be immediately deputed in the valley for all round efficiency. Measures for free and fare poll should be studied and properly adopted. Unfortunately, by now no social scientists or Islamic Scholars have been invited and involved in peaceful solution to the problem. Such situations need tactful, mature and widely acceptable strategies, instead hard strictures or bullets in the fast emerging Human Rights scenario. Jai Hind
(Pioneer, Lucknow: March, 2 1990)
Importance of Ramzan
Sir, The present state of society is no doubt bad. This is certainly due to our disloyalty to God Almighty as we have very much deviated from the noble path of humanity. The onset of Ramzan month is an excellent opportunity to realize and fulfill the objectives of humanity.
Like other Islamic festivals, Ramzan is full of enlightenment as intensifying prayers it stresses to share social responsibilities through sacrifice by keeping restrains o9n all our senses. It is the right time to challenge the Muslim masses for sharing responsibilities to er4adicate the social and moral crisis prevailing in the present-day society. Special mention in this regard includes obscene fashion, bribery, sexual abuse, criminal incidents, atrocities on women, poor and Harijans and the worst hit communal amity in the name of religious sentiments being propagated by the vested interests, who themselves are never religious or god-fearing.
The crucial need of the present day India is to produce a few stalwarts like Maulana Abul Kalam life, Hindustan his heart and his spirit the Islam. In addition to several sufi, saints, and other Islamic scholars whose live had been ideal to all Indians. We may perhaps get much benefited from Maulana Azad’s personality who along with his highest Islamic caliber the time could solve political problem in the best possible manner. The real tribute to Maulana Azad will be sharing the responsibility to bring India into a peaceful state. He was the monument of peaceful co-existence and the concept of universal brotherhood.
It is heartening to see that the Govt. and some active organizations have realized the role of Islamic luminaries for they have invited fatwas on some major national communal issue. Our Islamic scholars should forge ahead to share such national interest. This is their prime duty to counter every evil. How beautiful it will be if we sincerely try to solve all our problems amicably on the basis of guidelines of Holy Quraan. Maulana Azad has rightly tried to mobilize the Muslim masses to wards independence movement in the light of Holy Quraan.
Professor Ashok Singhal (General Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad) deserves all commendations for expressing faith in Holy Quraan and inviting world accredited Islamic scholars in solving the Babri Mosque-Janam Bhumi tangle.
In the interest of general normalcy of life and healthy sprit of Islam, it is an earnest appeal to our Muslim brethren to keep restrains as not to cause heavy noise during early pre-dawn meal and avoid encroachments on the busy roads and streets during prayers and iftar party. An appeal to civic and municipal authorities is to provide needful services of water supply, electricity and sanitations particularly during the fasting month. The Government and the private organizations are requested to avoid extra and undesirable burdens on the fasting people. Finally, what ever the spirit of tolerance and sacrifice we develop in this whole month should be continued to the rest part of the year. With this message, we hope we will be not only able to bring closer the hearts of two vital communities of the nation but may do a lot towards harmonizing communal amity and national integration –the prime objective of the government and the literate people.
(Pioneer, Lucknow, April: 4 1990)
Role of Government Machinery in Social / Communal Harmony
Societies and civilizations are framed in ages by continuous efforts of communities, where role of kingdom or in present day democratic set up of the Government machinery (through legislature, executive and judiciary) can not be ruled out. Numerous class wars and ethnic violence had taken place in each period of history and all over the globe for uneven social, executive and political representation in governance, despite a few examples where minority communities had ruled the majority. Though India has produced internationally acclaimed social activists like Mahatma Gandhi, Raja Ram Mohan Boy, Swami Vivekananda, Acharya Vinoba Bhawe etc but their impact could not bridge the gap between social, educational, economic and political status between the two major communities of the country (Hindus and Muslims).
Now the Government has realized the crux of the situation behind such disharmony which often erupts into social discord and communal violence. During the past successive governments, it has been realized both at the Union and state Government levels that Muslims (whose virtual population in the country is around 20%) represent decimal both in Government jobs: executive and Judiciary, as well as political representation in law making forums (around 2% at all levels). It is also well established fact that the youths who enter into lucrative positions both in executive and judiciary come from the communally biased family background. Hence, in the flexible administrative and judicial process, how a fair deal be can expected from the majority of the biased and communally sensitive Government Officials for the badly suffered Muslim community which is still suffering from the blot of country’s unfortunate partition despite producing luminaries like Dr S. Z. Qasim, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Justice A.M. Ahmadi etc in the post independence era.
With the establishment of Ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Bodies like National Minorities Commission, Minorities Financial Development Corporations, establishment of universities for promotion of Urdu, Arabic and Madarsah system, launching of P.Ms New 15 Points Program, implementation of Justice Rajendra Sachar Committee recommendation etc, the government has established the process for filling up the gap of fruits of social justice to such a large segment of society whose 90% people are either below the poverty line or educationally and politically victimized due to lack of sincere and goal oriented leadership. Although Government at the level of enactment of Rules and Laws is quite fair and sincere towards the community problems for social and economic uplift, but the attitude of the executing and enforcement authorities is so much disgusting that the beneficiaries are either not proper attended or too much harassed, resulting into the denial of beneficial process (likewise in financing, self employment generation or in providing government employment opportunities etc).
The websites of all the Ministries, Departments, Boards and Corporations etc are full of details of various schemes for minorities’ welfare, but very little is being implemented at the executing authority levels. Despite being mandatory to arrange monthly monitoring meeting of the implementation of P.Ms New 15 Points Program at the district level, hardly such sittings are taken place and even the district level community representatives’ nomination process in the so called secular state of West Bengal is still not completed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Sometimes if the RTI questions on the minorities’ employment and welfare process are asked from the concerned government agencies/authorities, either the answer is ignored or vague information is given. In a recent circular by the Chief Secretary of W.B. State Government for the follow up of P.Ms New 15 Points Program, some of the senior district officials had overlooked the directive with the remark that the same has not been marked or binding to them. However, in the administrative process, the circular issued by either Chief Secretary or any senior Ministry official is binding and obligatory to all the subordinate and concerned officials for the public wellbeing. Hence, there is necessity for introspection to analyze the situation and formulate the methodology to make Muslim community’s representation (in all spheres of governance: legislature, judiciary and executive) proportionate to its national population. Then only an even social set up and communal harmony in its true sense will establish for the happy, prosperous and powerful nation.
Role of Police in Reconstruction of Society:
In present day society, Democracy has been widely accepted as the best way of Social and Political set up of a nation. Also from the healthy and competitive coexistence point of view, continuous social reforms and restructuring take place as simultaneous processes. The framers of Sovereign Indian National Constitution has rightly chosen Democratic pattern of the Governance and the social fabric for its inherent worth and utility. It is well established fact that Democracy is the best means of governance and such social set up is the most orderly and civilized set up, particularly for the largely populated country like India. It is with this reason that at the age of sixty with the world’s largest democracy, by and large we are the most peaceful nation in the world.
Out of the three pillars of democracy: Legislature, Executive and Judiciary where the role of Executive matters much and concerns the common people more closely in the larger context than the other two wings. As much as making law, auditing and watching implementation of law and Governance performance, the day to day Law and Order maintenance and execution of Government programs is of much significance and concern for the healthy social set up. As the Executive system comprises mainly of the civil servants and the well trained/alert police wing both in the State as well as in the Central Government set up. Both the Civil and Police officials are complimentary in discharge of their challenging and highly responsible duty. It is evident from the facts and prevailing situations that Police need more vigilant and effective look for any untoward situation to cope than their civil counterpart. It means Police owes much more serious commitment for proper upkeep of healthy and competitive social set up.
With the emergence of faster Globalization and Modernization, healthy social fabric has become at greater threat than ever before. Almost all major segments (like Politicians, Traders, MNCs, Artisans etc) are now in race to surpass each other for their short term gains without honoring social/human commitments which often create chaos in the society. This may sometimes outburst as the significant Law and Order problem. The only proper, effective & vigilant Policing can cope up with the situation without any harm to the society and its people. Proportionate to the Development and Modernization, Police has been facing multidimensional problems. Hence, policing requires closer coordination with Social Scientists, Community leaders, bureaucrats and the politicians.
Making Policing policies, its implementation and maintaining Law and Order has become more challenging today than the earlier times. Although efforts are being made to fully utilize the modern tools of scientific innovations in operating the vast network, but still lot is to be done through rigorous training programs, closer coordination and participation of the concerned activists and above all the overall change in Perception and Mindset for the commitment of the most challenging responsibility. The utility of R & D establishments like Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPRD), National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science (NICFS), National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) etc should be more generalized to the vast section of police personnel for its better implementation and effective service to the society.
With the awareness about Human Rights, implementation of Right to Information Act, Intellectual Property Right and Cyber Crime etc, Police is now poised for the crucially challenging opportunity. With this reason, persons of high morale, credibility and intellectual ability with firm commitment for public service should join this wing of the important democratic process. It is pity that the physical standard and body language of police cadre varies from state to state without strict control over the physique and its fitness. Better thrust and incentives should be given for properly maintaining body fitness.
For better implementation of their responsibilities: frequent seminars, interactive sessions with academics/social activists should be arranged for meeting new challenges and inculcating refined service spirit in the police personnel. At the pattern of erstwhile Jail (now renamed as Correctional Home) the police officials should adopt more pragmatic approach for correctional measures towards offenders and so in the investigating and interrogating sessions. Initially fact finding approach should be adopted than the preconceived fault finding one. For example in the developed western countries every citizen in the eyes of law & investigating agencies is considered to be innocent unless otherwise proved, whereas the same is not true rather vice versa in our system.
Various scholars of policing like V. N. Rai and Kiran Bedi (eminent IPS Officers) in their texts has nicely described the strategic failures and suggested valuable measures which need to be inculcated and propagated to the Police hierarchy with special attention to the constabulary wing. It is being observed that due to being overzealous and extra obedient to the top political masters, the mighty khaki men often commit excesses and grossly violate the social and constitutional norms by indulging themselves into the crime and breakdown of the law and order machinery. Such situations had been observed in various communally sensitive places where police has exceeded its brief. Noted bureaucrats Mr N. Vittal I.A.S. (former Chief Vigilance Commissioner of India) and Dr P.K. Agrawal I.A.S. (Principal Secretary in W.B. State Government) in their scholarly written/edited Book: “I AM SORRY” has categorically admitted and expressed sorrow for the total failure/breakdown of the law enforcing bureaucracy in case of March 2002 Gujarat communal violence for which the entire bureaucracy danced to the tune of their political masters.
No doubt, police is only meant to check the erosion in peaceful & orderly establishment of the social fabric for which they have to deal tough with offenders and criminals but restrain has to be observed in analyzing the situation and punish the guilty persons only. In no way, they are supposed to serve their political masters for their vested interest. The upright and honest police officials always stand firm to deal with criminals and offenders irrespective of their political or otherwise mighty status. Recently an upright IPS officer has very tactfully persuaded the controversial feminist writer in Kolkata to leave city in broad interest of the peace and communal harmony. Otherwise in event of serious law & order situation, political masters will not share responsibility but only innocent people will suffer badly and the Police Officers too.
It is surprising that almost everywhere in India, Police support and assistance is taken by affluent and influential persons to settle personal and political scores. Hence the only criteria must be in broader interest of peaceful coexistence and the unshaken communal harmony. Periodically, refresher courses and brain stormy sessions should be organized to train constabulary to contain modern trend in the crime and terrorism. Coordination committees should be formed for closer interactions with law enforcing authorities wherein social activists, academicians, retired Government Officials and active N.G.Os should be involved in the peoples’ participatory process.
Taslima Diplomacy: Detrimental to Peace & Communal Harmony
Though the Sacred Constitution of Indian Union Republic guarantees Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19, but it does not mean to gain worldly lust and cheap popularity hurting belief and sentiments of any sect of the peace loving society. The excessive and unrestrained application of a few fundamental rights had often been liability to the law and order enforcement agencies including to the policy makers. Perhaps makers of such nicely designed constitution had never thought of crossing limit in the name of fundamental rights of speech & expression as is being seen in today’s intellectual & political circle for their vested interest. After all there should be a Lakshman Rekha for such rights to realize so as to maintain healthy social fabric. It is due to this reason that often communal passions are instigated by greedy politicians and writers which become contentious and serious social disharmony is created.
While granting asylum to the highly controversial (not very scholarly) writer from the neighboring country, India Government by obliging diplomatic pressure has done great blunder what is being observed from the peace loving common people. We should realize that from the day one, since the new nation (Bangladesh) came into existence, Indian people and the Government are facing numerous problems like cross boarder smuggling, terrorism and intruders in the state of West Bengal. At the time when we are concerned about Economic and Industrial growth and social uplift of the larger section of the populace, such futile exercise had proved a great liability to the already fractured and imbalanced social and communal harmony. After all, Taslima is neither precious to the Indian National interest nor she enjoys stature like Prof. Amartya Sen, Prof. Younus (Noble Laureate from Bangladesh), Late Acharya Rabindranath Tagore, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Swami Vivekanda, Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose etc for whom so much of attention and security arrangements is warranted at the cost of poor men’s exchequer.
The Union Government should rethink and keep in confidence the sentiments and honor the sizable population & the peace and law and order for the common people is very much shattered due to its sensitivity. It is due to this reason that major and other important issues take back bench for the Government machinery. If some senior Law & Order enforcement Officers of Kolkata had tried to persuade her to leave the city gracefully in the broader interest of peace and harmony of its centuries old tradition of communal harmony and goodwill, they are fully justified in proper discharge of their challenging responsibility. Also, the state Govt. has played safely to control the sudden outburst as aftermath of her unpleasant stay in the city of joy & communal amity.
Unfortunately, some greedy and bankrupt political leaders for their vote bank through hate campaign always shed crocodile tears just for mudslinging to the Indian Muslim Community. If Jaipur, Gandinagar & Delhi leaders are so much concerned about her wellbeing and prospects, they should declare her as their next Prime Ministerial candidate for coming Parliamentary election. It is pity that the same party leaders who talk on Taslima & other contentious issues often ignore problems like child labor, women exploitation, hunger & poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, caste conflict etc in their own homeland and ruling state. There is a proverb: “Think Globally Act locally”. So for an ideal society and healthy social fabric, those fomenting communal passions like Taslima or M.F. Husain should not live in the land of Ram, Gandhi, Buddha and Mahavir.
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