Traffic rules : No Apartheid please!
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 11, 2012:
The picture (taken on 8th February) here tells a significant story and its significance needs to be seen in the backdrop of the decisions taken on February 10, which will impact on vehicular movement in the commercial areas of Thangal bazar and Paona bazar.
Rules and regulations cannot exist in isolation.
They come with the understanding of adhering to a certain set of dos and don'ts, accompanied with deterrent measures, which may range from imprisonment, fines or even the death penalty and since we are talking about traffic rules and regulations here, we may safely keep the question of the death penalty aside.
The logical question that follows then is, are rules and regulations framed on the principle of 'everyone is equal' before the eyes of the law or are they framed to distinguish the suited, booted babus, the Nehru jacket clad political netas or the Khakied and Olive Greened category from the average Tomba and Chaoba? One of the key words in the new traffic regulations, which are scheduled to come into force from February 13, is 'policemen on duty' will be allowed to enter the 'only pedestrian' zones of Thangal bazar and Paona bazar.
The policemen here may extend to security personnel such as the Assam Rifles, the Army, BSF, CRPF etc, but does shopping or marketing come under the ambit of 'on duty'? Look at the picture here and it will be a case of Reality Bites.
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Rules and regulations should not lead to some sort of an Apartheid.
It makes a mockery of the whole concept of rules and regulations.
When civilians are given barking orders to move out while the men in Khakis or Olive Greens merrily park their vehicles plum in the middle of the road, then it is nothing but making an Apartheid statement.
The new initiative may be for the betterment of everyone.
It is everyone's duty to ensure that the rules and regulations are followed and obeyed.
The only question is whether these will also extend to the men and women in uniform.
As for the political class who move around with flag posts and beacon lights, they should be educated on what rules and regulations are, for it has been obvious that 'education' has never been one of their stronger points.