Can an elected govt behave like this?

We are simply appalled by some of the highhanded actions of the police. A few journalists were severely beaten and many were barred entry at places so as to shut off news emanation from the raided spots. Notwithstanding the blanket imposition of section 144, it is shocking to learn that members of the police hunted down villagers in their homes in the darkness of night, beat the inmates of the house, men and women indiscriminately. The way the police swooped on the villagers it looked as though they were engaged in a battle against some insurgents. There are also allegations of looting of valuables from some households including cash. The fear was so gripping that many fled their homes and took shelter in neighbouring villages.

We are shocked and do find it absurd as to how such a medieval style repression can be allowed by any elected government? How shameful, that even to this day, hollow political pep talk continues behind the scenes at the elected public representative level with no visible attempts made to resolve the deadlock through amicable discussion and mutual consultation.

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We urge the administration to move fast and resolve the deteriorating crisis to prevent any further loss of innocent lives. At the same time, in the interest of justice and towards restoring of confidence of the people of the locality, the government must also identify those responsible both at the field and other levels for this carnage and take appropriate action against them as per the law of the land. Considerations must also be given to adequately compensate the families who have lost their near and dear ones in police firing and whose households have been vandalised.

We demand that the government announce an independent judicial inquiry into the whole affair.