Police and people: Good work must also be acknowledged good work

“Police deserve praise for good work”, A senior journalist feels

New Delhi: More than fifty young media personals gathered in Jamia Millia Islamia’s Nehru Guest House to

2nd from left: Dr. K Karan DCP, VGogila Jt. CP, and Agha

interact with senior Police Officers. They highlighted the problems and evils prevailed in the locality and sought police intervention to resolve them. Dr. Vivek Gogila, Joint Commissioner of Police of newly created Southern-Western Range, Dr. P. Karunakaran, DCP, South-East District, ACPs and SHOs of police stations of under SW Range joined the meeting and get together in an informal atmosphere. The officers listened patiently and promised to work with the residents to resolve problems to their best.

Traffic jams, parking on road-sides, encroachments even in by-lanes, almost zero rate of theft detection, hazard of drugs and high handedness of police-men in certain matters were among problems faced by the residents and ills which adversely affect  law and order situation. Traffic jams due to un-authorized parking on both sides of the roads was most highlighted problem as a main cause of hindrance in smooth traffic movement. This unauthorized parking is also hazardous at the time of emergencies like fire and serious illness. The police officers agreed with the complaint as they also felt the burnt while reaching to the venue of the meeting.

Addressing the meeting Dr. P. Karunakaran, DCP, South-East District assured his services to help resolve the problems of the residents, provided they are brought properly in his knowledge. Joint C P Dr. Vivek Gogila, congratulated the organizers of the meeting and suggested that after this general meeting, in which we have an over-view of all problems, we must sit in small groups, take co-operation of Residents Welfare Associations (RWS) and key residents of the area and make a well planned effort to solve each and every problem to the possible extent. His suggestion was welcomed and the Convener of the meeting Athharuddin Munney Bharti of NDTV assured the follow-up action.

Winding up the meeting Syyed Mansoor Agha lauded the initiative of young journalists. He was of the view that many problems are creation of our own lack of civil sense. For example, by instinct we feel fine while violate traffic and parking rules. This is the single biggest cause of jams on roads.Media may do a lot to educate masses and police may help by posting their personals on vintage points, at least at the peak hours of the traffic. Distrust between police and the people is another cause of concern. Both sides need to make amends to cope with this deficit. Resolution of many problems is possible b mutual trust and co-operations of police force and civil society. He agreed that police has a tough task, but in a democratic society, there is no way that police shy away from humane tag and good manners.

Addressing fellow journalists he said, we have developed a tendency to only criticize police for evil deeds and ignore good work. We need a balance. Do highlight misdeeds but also tell people if a good work has been done. Dec 16 case is a good example. We targeted police of security lapse more than needed but did not tell people how meticulously police handled the case. We must congratulate Mr. Gogila and his team for exemplary investigation and prosecution of culprits. Second example is of Bombay Gang Rape case. Bombay Police under able guidance of Dr. Satyapal Singh, Commissioner of Police solved the case within hours and Charge Sheet in the court has been filed in less than one month.

He blamed un-planned development of the area for many problems like congestion and parking on the roads. Police can do little in such cases. Markets, especially eateries remain open even after midnight. This creates nonsense and must controlled according to laws.
Mr. Gaurav Sharma, Adl DCP,(SE), Mr. H. M Bakhshi, ACP, SHOs of Jamia Nagar, NFC and other Police Stations of the range also attended the meeting.