Terror to tide over terror?

Certain conclusions can be drawn from this: first, the police have failed to tackle the Sarbahara on their own; second, calling upon a group of persons to do the work of the police is not an uncommon practice; and third, in effect, the local police have abdicated its bounden duty to provide security to the common man.

While the state can seek the help of the people in tackling a particular situation, the idea of employing a private armed group in apprehending elements of an underground party is rather preposterous. More so, when the group resembles a vigilante. As a matter of fact, in the name of fighting terror they are terrorising people, and in some instances, even killing them.

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Their credentials are questionable, and by the reports that are available, have a particular agenda of their own. Even more disconcerting is the report that this group has also taken upon itself the tasks of ridding society of corruption and illegal weapons -- a pious desire, but a tall order for a private armed cadre.

We urge the government to realise the danger in such a venture. This will set a dangerous precedent for the future role of the police in tackling law and order situations. It is for the police to provide security to the common man. Falling back on private cadres is fraught with danger. This is unacceptable, to say the least.