- In a civilized society, the law-and-order machinery is expected to be seen working under absolute control and following the law of the land. Especially in a democratic country, the thrust is always placed on upholding the propriety of the Constitution which is not only considered as sacrosanct but also empowers the other pillars of the same to discharge responsibilities on expected lines. Undoubtedly, the Indian democratic credentials are universally acknowledged for continuing to thrive despite encountering several challenges in the form of narrow-minded political upmanship.
PC: freepik
- Sadly, the political narrative here is of course largely based on complex caste calculus which our leaders keep exploiting to further their parochial considerations. Never mind the social disharmony caused by such a move. Against this backdrop, the two lynchings following what has been termed as sacrilegious conduct, first, at the Golden Temple and then at a Kapurthala gurdwara, raise several worrying questions about policing, politics, and religious tensions in Punjab. Needless to mention, any deliberate attempts at desecrating a place of worship of whatever community are reprehensible, but chilling mob justice is even more disturbing as well.
- Taking the law into one’s own hands mirrors the impotency of the law-and-order enforcing agencies in thwarting anti-social elements from perpetrating crimes. All the more so when lynchings don’t immediately put the police into action and politicians, cutting across party lines, fail to condemn what can only be described as murder by mob. You would be left dumbstruck as to what the political leaders had to say about the murders. The Punjab Congress state unit chief calls for public execution of the sacrilege accused completely forgetting that he represents a democratic state, not a dictatorial regime.
PC: pch.vector
- This is simply unconscionable coming from a man who aspires to be chief minister amply demonstrating to what extent leaders are prepared to traverse in stoking religious aggression for votes. And there is a familiar narration of politicians’ crying conspiracy whenever such incidents are reported. This is what the incumbent chief minister did in the instant case. Rather than decry such mob-induced violence, such statements can only encourage similar actions from the charged-up groups. Signals emanating from the politicians and the administration seem to suggest that mob justice is okay so long as it serves their purpose of inciting people on religious grounds. Make no mistake, those who committed the murders must be caught and punished expeditiously.
- Going by the past experience, chances of that happening seem as remote in Punjab as they are in other states where the police mostly wink at the violence carried out in the name of a religion that has self-proclaimed political backers. Mind you, Punjab by virtue of being a border state as also awash with narcotics carries a huge national security risk that cannot be allowed to pester for too long. Also, there is the ever-present worry about the ghost of militancy that might disturb the hard-earned peace and tranquility. As such, the political leaders are advised to exercise utmost caution, prudence, responsibility, and statesmanship like understanding on a sensitive issue of communal harmony. Is it too much to expect from our political leaders? You know the answer.
