(With Esteem: Proposing Ideas to the Director General of Police)
Nazir Jahangir
So far, I believe the police uniform symbolizes more than mere fabric; it embodies a system that entrusts individuals with the responsibility of upholding law and order. Wearing this uniform should transcend glamour, as it is an honor that should command respect rather than fear, transforming wearers into revered individuals and the uniform into a symbol of dignity. Distinguishing between respect and fear is crucial. Like a scorpion entering a room, fear can elicit a response; people there instinctively stand up out of fear, not respect. While a scholar entering a room, people there too instinctively stand up because it fosters genuine respect.
I am of the opinion that it is post-retirement when a police officer’s legacy reflects societal attitudes, exposing public opinions and the regard for its contributions. We need to ponder why, despite rendering their services in tough situations and being dedicated to their job, to the extent that their family life and personal pleasures fade away in the engrossment of public service and societal interests, some retired officers face a sort of contempt in society. Perhaps the apparent respect they receive is more a product of societal norms than genuine admiration. My aim in penning this write-up is to suggest that this perception prompts introspection into why some retired officers lose confidence and lead uncertain lives, and whether they receive the amount of respect from society that their sacrifices deserve. Could it be the haunting memories of perceived injustice during their duty and its adverse impact on society? Do some police officers not succeed in sketching out a positive image of themselves during their time in office?
I bear witness that officers who served with integrity are remembered as heroes, elevating the police uniform to a genuine badge of honor.
A police officer who diligently fulfills his duty, stands with the oppressed, and safeguards the principles of truth becomes a hero and savior in society. Throughout history, the influence of money has often subverted justice, oppressing the weak. Yet, those who wield power, driven by wealth, remain unaware that nature ultimately extracts its toll from the cruel and callous.
The annals of history are filled with tales of police officers enforcing justice with integrity, evolving into courageous warriors who maintain the dignity of their uniform and leave behind a legacy that inspires future generations.
We look to the esteemed Director General of Police to infuse more dynamism into the force, fostering a heightened awareness of public service and support for the oppressed. It is our hope that other high-ranking officials will join in making police officers exemplars for the public, contributing to the creation of a just society. The police, by prioritizing the protection of the rights of the weak and vulnerable, can play a pivotal role in eliminating drug abuse and establishing a clean environment.
It is heartening that almost ninety percent of fresh recruitment in the police force, especially the officers heading the police stations, has portrayed itself as people-friendly and has succeeded in garnering popularity and regard among the people. We can analyze and check it from the reviews and posts on social media. Many times, people in local areas have demanded the overstay of police officers in their localities when they were transferred. As far as I know, it never happened before or what I witnessed in my childhood when the police were seen as dread. It is also not out of place to mention here that it was the political power of the state and some police personnel who, by torturing to the third degree in the lockups, pushed a huge number of youth in Kashmir towards extremism. This is not just my statement or my observations; ex high-rank police officers confessed it in their interviews. So while the police can play a pivotal role in making the environment clean and peaceful with their soft and people-friendly attitude, its mistakes and harsh behavior become responsible for generating a lava in the minds of people which then bursts one day and wreaks havoc.
I hope the police force, under the guidance of the new DGP, gets more enthusiasm, more dynamism, and presents itself as a committed force to uphold the beacon of integrity, embodying the principles of justice and public service. Fresh recruitments in the police, infused with young blood, and having young boys lead the police stations are our expectations. We anticipate that they will make it their mission to create a drug-free and crime-free society.
Nazir Jahangir is a senior journalist and columnist.
