Editorial
Sliding law and order
Tough action needed to check it
Law and order is sliding in the city, as extortionists, drug peddlers and muggers have become very active in many localities. At least nine people were murdered and 20 others sustained bullet wounds in the last seven days. The law enforcers are apparently finding it hard to cope with the situation.
Traders and businessmen are the prime targets of organised extortionists who don't hesitate to commit even murder when their mission of collecting tolls is thwarted. That is precisely how some targeted people have lost their lives recently. These extortionists are trying to take control of places like bus counters and trade and business centres in the city. At times they turn extremely violent as was witnessed at a bus counter which came under gunfire, after the transport owners refused to pay tolls as demanded by the attackers.
Drug peddling is another menace which worries people in some areas. The desperation of the residents of Nazimuddin Road area was manifest when they formed a human chain on Friday last to bring the issue to public focus.
However, it is now evident that the unarmed and innocent people cannot face the criminals on their own, unless the law enforcers come to their rescue. The problem has been compounded by the fact that some of the criminals have political connections. The ruling party should stand firm against criminal elements who usually try to seek indulgence of powerful people. Otherwise, the law enforcers appear to lose much of their effectiveness while dealing with such elements. This is an age-old malady, the relapse of which is felt all the more acutely whenever the party in power fails to handle the issue in a non-partisan manner. Our politicians' pledge to curb crime and corruption comes under a shadow of doubt when they allow known criminals to settle down in their folds.
The crime situation was surely better, to begin with. And if it is true that the grip has slackened then we have genuine grounds to be worried.
The law enforcers have to be given a free hand, uninhibited by any extraneous factors, to deal with the crime situation. After all, scheme of ensuring people's welfare, a point high on the government agenda, must begin with perceptible improvement in law and order.
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