The wrath of law should befall the killer cop of Jiribam

The shocking incident involving Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Nectar Sanjenbam has ignited widespread outrage across Manipur. Sanjenbam, accused of fatally shooting a Meitei youth while allegedly under the influence of alcohol, is emblematic of a deeper rot within the system. His termination from service may offer some solace to the aggrieved family and the public, but it is far from sufficient. Justice demands not only his dismissal but also his arrest and prosecution to the full extent of the law.
His history casts a troubling shadow over his career. During his tenure in the military, he was reportedly notorious for targeting Meiteis, earning him a reputation that should have precluded any future role in civilian policing. Despite this, he was inexplicably placed at the helm of law enforcement in a volatile region like Manipur. This decision raises critical questions about the judgment of those responsible for his appointment. How could a figure with such a controversial past be entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring public safety? Was due diligence overlooked, or were there deliberate motives behind this appointment? The people of Manipur deserve answers.
This act of brutality is not just a violation of his duty to protect and serve but also a betrayal of the public’s trust. It is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by placing unfit individuals in positions of power. A senior police officer’s moral compass and professional integrity are non-negotiable prerequisites. In Nectar Sanjenbam’s case, both appear to have been absent.
An inquiry has been initiated into the incident, but inquiries alone are insufficient. The legal process must be swift, transparent, and uncompromising. Nectar Sanjenbam’s termination should be the first step, followed by his arrest and prosecution. Any leniency would send a dangerous message that those in power are above the law.
This incident also highlights the systemic flaws in the appointment and monitoring of police officers. It is crucial to revisit the criteria for recruitment and promotion within the police force, especially for positions as sensitive as SSP. The authorities must ensure that those with questionable records are weeded out before they can inflict further harm. The failure to do so in Nectar Sanjenbam’s case has led to the tragic loss of a young life and has deeply scarred public confidence in law enforcement.
The societal response to this tragedy must also be firm and unyielding. While the law must take its course, civil society has a role to play in ensuring that justice is not derailed. Public pressure and vigilance are vital to keeping the authorities accountable. Moreover, the incident calls for introspection within the community about how such individuals are allowed to thrive and operate with impunity.
Exemplary punishment for Nectar Sanjenbam is essential not just as retribution for his actions but also as a deterrent for others who may misuse their authority. His actions have tarnished the image of the police force, which already struggles with public perception. The people of Manipur need to see that the system is capable of self-correction and that it values justice over protecting its own.
The incident involving SSP Nectar Sanjenbam is a wake-up call for Manipur’s law enforcement and governance systems. His arrest and prosecution are non-negotiable, and his case should serve as a lesson in accountability for the entire administration. The state must act decisively to ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done. Only then can the wounds inflicted by this tragedy begin to heal, and the trust of the people in their protectors be restored.