Failing to keep pace with the bombers : Defunct CCTV cameras
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: March 20 2015 -
More than apparent that bombers are at times always one step ahead of the Government.
And so it is that while a number of elements have been thinking out of the box to stay one step ahead of the law enforcing agencies to plant a bomb or two at crowded market places in Imphal, the State Government has not been able to ensure something as basic as keeping the CCTV cameras installed at strategic points in Imphal in working conditions.
The relay hunger strike launched by women vendors at the temporary market shed at Khwairamband Keithel on March 18 is more than just a symbolic protest.
It is a protest against the failure of the State Government to ensure the protection of the civilians.
The Government obviously cannot be expected to prevent every crime or read the minds of potential attackers, but the manner in which explosions have ripped apart crowded places in Imphal is an indication that the law enforcing machineries have failed miserably.
It is a cruel joke. To think that the Government deems it necessary to carry on with the Armed Forces Special Powers Act for decades to help maintain law and order while failing to address the failure of the CCTV cameras sounds farcical.
It is not more and more security personnel that is needed on the roads and streets of Imphal but the willingness to exhibit intent of purpose.
At the moment the CCTV cameras installed on the roads and streets of Imphal are nothing much more than decorative pieces and this is unacceptable.
Not the first goof up, for remember how traffic management was reduced to a joke when the Government decided to start playing with the traffic lights installed at so many crossings in Imphal, some years back.
The casual attitude of the Government is unacceptable.
As noted earlier here, it will not be practical to expect the Government to foil all criminal intentions of the anti-social elements but at least the citizens should get the feeling that the Government is trying to protect innocent lives.
The failure of the CCTV cameras notwithstanding, the Government has not hesitated in deploying more and more security personnel on the important roads and routes of Imphal.
This is important for security of the citizens cannot be compromised, but has any thought been given on how the security personnel are discharging their duties ?
More numbers do not exactly translate to more efficacy.
Has this thought ever occurred to the Government ?
It was not without reason why Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who also holds the Home portfolio, did not hesitate in casting doubts over the conduct of some police personnel, some days back.
The writing on the wall is clear.
The Government has to wake up and keep pace with the elements who are out to create mayhem in the midst of civilians and more than right that the first step it takes up is to ensure that the CCTV cameras installed at important points in Imphal are made functional.
The sooner this is done, the better it would be for everyone.
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