Yesterday was quite an eventful day in Delhi. If the bomb blast wasn’t terrible enough, the earthquake really ‘stirred’ things up in the evening. My thoughts go out to those affected by either, though the earthquake seems to have had a very limited impact. Would the bomb blast have an equally limited impact on how the Indian government views public security? I hope not.
In all fairness, I don’t think there are any easy solutions to either the Kashmir problem or the Naxal situation or even the north east crisis. I also concede that it is extremely difficult to stop such attacks from occurring in the madness of a Chandi Chowk or a Zaveri Bazaar. But how in the world can security provisions be so inadequate at the Delhi High Court? There is so much ambiguity about the security at the court; there is absolutely no clarity about the presence and condition of CCTVs, metal detectors or even an active, alert police force in adequate numbers. These should be part of standard security provisions at all governmental buildings, not just at the residences of cabinet ministers in the Lutyens Zone.
Also, I humbly request politicians of all backgrounds to stop playing ‘whoever-reaches-the-hospital-last-is-a-rotten-egg’. It is not a race. As much as I dislike my non-UPA options, I very much appreciate reports of Mr Rahul Gandhi being confronted by angry relatives and families of the victims. In situations such as these, the people want to know what the government can do about the situation, not what the situation can do for the government. It is not a PR exercise; don’t turn it into one because it is disrespectful.
A bomb blast in a crowded market is bad enough. But a blast in a law court is worse. Forget about the symbolic attack on India’s constitutional institutions, sovereignty, etc. The question the common man would be asking tonight is that if the government can’t even protect its own buildings, how would it ever be able to protect us? The people of India need a sense of security, and the complacent attitude of the government is not helping at all.
Just one final point, dear politicians: burying your head in the sand does not necessarily save your head; but it always leaves your backside a lot more vulnerable.
Super Like...! Why don't you send it to editorials of Indian publications. These are very well crafted & thought through pieces.
ReplyDeleteMalcolm, a well reasoned argument. Yes, there should be more efficient security not only near the government buildings or the symbols of government power, but everywhere else.
ReplyDeleteBut we also need the general public to adopt a better sense of being...for the lack of a more appropriate word. Most of us when we need to go through the security barrier, we tend to looks at ways to cut the queque and bypass it automatically or look for other subvert methods.
You really should think about sending your piece to a mag or newspaper in India. You might need to add more though. Thanks
@ Sub: Thank u for sharing!
ReplyDelete@ Cheryl: I understand ur point...I am concerned about the lack of adequate security infrastructure in the first place...my opinion is that in the face of inadequate security provisions, the default knee-jerk reaction has always been more draconian and arbitrary legislation - be it TADA or POTA or UAPA...put the infrastructure in place and see the decrease in the need for arbitrariness and the justification for it.
Thank you all for reading and commenting.