Real Action Not Draconian Laws

The death toll is mounting and so is the rhetoric for tougher laws. Since elections are nearing, the drumbeat for tougher terror laws will become louder. Fear and fury have helped win elections both in India and USA before, so it will be repeated as long as we succumb to it.

We cannot expect the terrorists behind these bombings to understand that they are only making things worse for everyone including themselves. After all, when someone uses the “an eye for an eye” tactic, they obviously have not learnt anything from history.

However, are the rest of us learning from history? Do we see through the smoke and mirrors that selfish opportunists amongst us use to distract us from what is urgently necessary? If such people really cared, they would tell us that it is not Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) that we need. After all, the record of POTA is dubious to say the least, given the way that it has been misused for retributions, illegal detentions and revenge. For example, under the previous Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Prevention (TADA) law, the conviction rate was less than 2%. Even if severe punishment is used as a deterrent against future terrorist acts, such an abysmal conviction rate is hardly going to scare anyone away.

People who really cared for our country and her people, would not indulge in incendiary speeches that divide the country. Instead, people who really cared would bring everyone together to put forth constructive suggestions and concrete action plans.

We realize that justice is rapidly eluding us, ordinary citizens. It is only logical that the less patient and more aggrieved among us will seek to take the path of violence in such a scenario, however unproductive and dangerous that path may be. Let us urgently fix the broken parts of our judicial system so that we fulfill our constitutional obligation of justice for all. Let us use the technological prowess and brilliance of our nation to improve the functioning of our courts and ensure quick justice.

Mr. Suresh Kumar, a constable, reportedly averted another deadly explosion in Delhi by using a brick to defuse a bomb. Many of our police live up to their duty even if it is reported rarely. Instead of blaming them let us give them better training, better work environment and of course, better salaries. Replacing the 147-year old (British era) Police Act with a new Police Act would also help (if it ever moves from draft mode into Parliament). Incidentally, Sikkim has just shown us the way by passing the Sikkim Police Act effective 5th September.

There are probably very few places, except India, where people rush to help someone in trouble. The trouble is we don’t know how and so end up being unhelpful bystanders. We too can be trained for assisting in emergencies, whether it is administering first aid or alerting law enforcement.

Instead of blaming our Intelligence Agencies, let us give them better funding, training, technology and then add oversight to make them effective. We do not have a proper nationwide alert system. An organization like the recently formed National Disaster Management Division can be used for setting up such an alert system.

That ours is a tolerant society needs no mention. Let us not allow some narrow-minded groups to belittle our secularism, which is enshrined in our Constitution. Let the heads of various religions come together immediately and stress the need for tolerance and universal peace, while collectively speaking out against the atrocities being committed in the name of religion.

We need concrete and credible steps to counter the threat we are facing. This is not the time to point fingers. It is the time for all Indians to join hands. Together, our potential is limitless. One needs no further proof of that than our Independence struggle.