The BJP’s Punjab faction has voiced deep concern over the recent surge in police encounters across various locations in Punjab.
The party holds the view that strict action needs to be taken against those who indulge in lawlessness. Still, a sudden increase in encounters gives the impression of a political agenda being implemented.
“Security, be it on the borders by the Army and in the hinterland by the Police and paramilitary forces, is a 24/7 job that needs to be sustained and relentless. Sudden upheavals in the pattern are a cause of worry since they point towards the application of a specific agenda. Sudden action also highlights the state of inaction earlier for which the government needs to give a reason,” said Jaibans Singh, chief spokesperson, BJP, Punjab.
“Was the police restrained earlier because of some pressure from the government?” asked Singh.
Singh also questioned the timing of this new initiative and highlighted the negative impact that it would have on the psyche of the people. “This sudden phase of hyperactivity, be it in announcing more freebies or targeting the central government in parliament or giving clearance for police encounters, gives an impression that AAP wishes to use the machinery of the Government of Punjab to divert the attention of the public from its poor performance in the five state assembly polls where it got fewer votes than even NOTA. Moreover, the arbitrary encounters are creating fear in the minds of the people who look upon it as a first step towards the creation of a police state as was seen during the black days of militancy in Punjab,” said Jaibans Singh.
The BJP further urged the government to pay more attention to improving the efficiency of the police force. The existing strength is much less than that authorized strength since thousands of vacancies created due to the retirement of personnel have not been filled. The force needs to increase its strength given the increased population levels. More worrisome is that a large portion of the depleted force is being utilized only for VIP security duty. The Police force also needs to be modernized by introducing new technology like drones, night vision devices, communication tools, etc. Here, too, no effort is visible.
The law and order situation in Punjab can not improve without taking firm and honest steps to fill gaps in all aspects like infrastructure, training, equipment, and other means for effective policing. A disorganised and messy approach with the view to gain political advantage will not be able to improve the law and order situation in Punjab
