Action Plan
Announce in advance that ‘Bandhs’ and Road/Rail ‘Rasta Roko’/ blocks and protests and such other disruptive activities will no-longer be recognized as rightful ways to express dissent and dis-satisfaction, and will thus invite prompt, even immediate, punitive action. The rightful ways to express their dissent or dis-satisfaction would be through their elected representatives in the appropriate fora and through the Courts or by assembly with due permission, at common places ear-marked for such gatherings to, peacefully and harmoniously, express their views and show support to their leaders, who will then pursue the matter appropriately.
Undertake pre-emptive action or detention to prevent the instigators of such incidents from being able to do so.
Investigate and follow the trail of the money funding such incidents and block them, even if just on suspicion. Ban organizations involved in such activities and confiscate their funds and also make them pay for the losses incurred.
Ensure that all individuals seen to be participating in disruptive and destructive acts or in calls for such acts, as are identifiable through videos, photographs, media, or witnesses, be taken into custody and promptly punished.
Even individuals who claim to be innocent bystanders, can be deemed to be participants and encouragers of such acts, even if only by their presence, need to be dissuaded from such participation or attitude by some sort of punishment.
Make it clear and knowable by all that punishment for being part of such incidents will be caning, and not just an indiscriminate ‘lathi’ charge meant to just disperse the crowd. Everyone present will be gathered and released thereafter only after the minimum punishment of ‘caning’, unless if deemed liable in other punishable offences activity for which they can be charged additionally and appropriately under the law.
‘Caning’ as punishment to be inflicted on all participants, should be done publicly, perhaps under the direction of a Magistrate of a mobile Court, as for traffic offences, with medical doctor present. Those who claim to be innocent bystanders should be seen as encouragers and hence liable for minimum caning to dissuade them and others, in future.
For juveniles below 14 years of age, we should come up with other- ways of punishment such as community service, say, sweeping the roads or clearing garbage, all in public view so as to also incorporate an element of shaming. For the very young, counselling and warnings and fining the parents for not properly supervising their children can be resorted to.
Such action cannot be considered dictatorial or fascist. It is only realistic and necessary.
Conclusion
Dealing with Mobs who resort to disruption, destruction, and vandalism needs a more appropriate, and effective method of punishment of those involved. Prompt and public punishment also introduces an element of shaming that denies the perpetrator from any claim to fame or heroism. We can learn from what worked in other countries, especially from a democratic and widely admired country such as Singapore. Perpetrators of such acts cannot be allowed to claim fame and admiration as heroes. Caning by properly trained Police personnel under the supervision of a Doctor and as ordered by a Magistrate, or imposing public / community service and even fines, would be the effective solution.
JAI BHARAT! – JAI HIND!
Pages: 1 2 3
