Since past few days, the role of India’s largest paramilitary force and police, which comprises an essential part of country’s defense has been put into a big question mark (?) by the citizens of country amid COVID-19 pandemic.
The question emerged after some disturbing videos showing policemen and paramilitary personnel beating the countrymen in different parts of the country for alleged lockdown violation
went viral on the social media.
This stirred a heated debate on social media with many arguing that the defence need not to be so callous and brutal in dealing with reprobates.
The act of security men infuriated many, while forcing some to jot down their ire on the social media.
Some people lashed out at the defence of our country claiming the security men must not act brutally to the extent of beating and castigating the delinquents like an oppressor. And if at all people are found guilty of lockdown violation, they should be punished under relevant sections of law.
Some people even argued that those who venture out of their homes do so in medical emergency like situations and policemen or paramilitary personnel must realise the same. They (law and order enforcing agencies) should not resort to thrashing such people but consider the nature of emergency which forces them to venture out.
Prior to sharing my opinion on the sensitive matter, I ought to ponder on the issue considering either situations, in the light of proverb which goes as, “Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.”
Defence, a top priority
India which has the second largest population in the world has to take such stern measure to break the pandemic Covid-19 chain, if the defence is acting harsh towards the lawbreakers, one should not forget that it is an act aimed at safeguarding them from the pandemic, which is taking toll and acting no less than any cataclysm.
Although, we are very well acquainted here with the bitter fact that most of the people hate to stay indoors or are not used to do so. Such people move out for trivial works and start making excuses. When the situation is so perilous that a trivial mistake can prove lethal to the extent that it can wipe the whole population, then in prevailing circumstances, the defence of the country has to act very stiff and not get swayed away by emotions and feelings.
The people, who are antagonistic and rely on the emotive sensations cannot think like soldiers, who patrol streets round the clock for the safety entire country.
A solider, who dons uniform has the responsibility to ensure that the nation and its’ people are safeguarded in all situations.
For instance, through out most of his service, a soldier or paramilitary personnel stays away from his family, relatives and dear ones, in the line of duty to ensure that country is protected from enemy or any disaster.
Now if the same soldier finds a man defying law and order on the street, there is every possibility he can come hard on the offender and this should not surprise or shock many. Instead soldier’s action should be seen as an act aimed at preventing many people from getting infected to the disease in prevailing situation.
The countrymen, who act as violators, insult and abuse the man in uniform, who stands for them through out the day and night to safeguard them, their family and the nation, should feel ashamed of their irresponsible and uncalled for activities.
History in general and Islamic history in particular is the testimony to the fact, how our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace and blessing be Upon Him would respect the soldiers and would often glorify them.
Read the Islamic history and get yourself acquainted with the fact that how much respect and regard would Prophet hold for them. The solider, who puts everything at stake for his country cannot and should not bear the brunt of violators. And I am of the opinion, the people, who argue in vaccum on social media while sitting in their cosy rooms cannot know the hardships, which soldiers or paramilitary personnel face while leaving their families behind; as the proverb goes, “only wearer knows where the shoe pinches.”
Citizens rights’ supreme
The defence forces may have given ample sacrifices for the nation to defend it from the enemy and calamities, but that does not mean they (forces) can take law into their hands and go to any extent to humiliate and violate constitutional rights of its citizens?
It is mandatory for the defense forces to respect the rights of citizens in all situations and refrain from misuing or taking the law into their hands to subjugate citizens or humiliate them. The forces must Standard Operating Procedures even in terrible situations to upheld the law and ensure security of people.
The defence forces of any nation cannot act cruel or unkind to its citizens; for it has to understand the biggest asset of nation is its people, who with their power (rights) elevate the nation to its supreme heights.
The defence forces or defense of the country ought to be polite towards its citizens especially young generation, whose youthful energy can be channelised for the overall development and progress of the country.
The defence of country ought not to show any hegemony of power at any level, but must act sternly under law to deal with the violators under the law.
Bottom line
I can say with certain authority that the defence of any country in the world is the most responsible and honourable institution and one should feel proud to be part of it.
However the defence-men or soldiers in the line of duty must realise it and discharge their duties with utmost honesty and responsibility.
As the proverb goes, ‘Action speaks louder than words’, the soldiers’ actions should speak for themselves and not invite public wrath no matter what the situation they are involved in dealing with.
The author hails from Kashmir and can be reached at Mufti.jameel97@gmail.com
‘The views expressed in the article are author’s own. Curtain Raiser does not necessarily subscribe to the views expressed therein.’
