Almost every member of a society aspires to lead a peaceful, normal and progressive life, taking up jobs that enable them to provide livelihood for themselves and their loved ones. This necessary social atmosphere however has remained an elusive dream for most of us, as those who are supposed to ensure the peace and security of a society is still being regarded with caution and distrust by the common public. The assertion by the Deputy Chief Minister who is also in charge of the Home department that the law and order situation in the State has improved considerably merits some credibility. The rise in the number of armed insurgent groups who are willing to lay down arms to try out a political solution to their grievances and visions are an encouraging indication of the growing acceptance and inclination towards mutually acceptable solutions to the myriad problems and hindrances afflicting our present day society. It would, however, be a bit too early and premature to gloat about the developments and to rest on the inadequate and still uncertain positive aspects of it all. A large number of armed personnel of the state are dutifully and conscientiously discharging their sworn duties of protecting and securing the peace of the society, and yet a handful of disruptive and rowdy elements in the state armed personnel have caused a rift between the public and the police as a whole. While it is unfortunate and undesirable, yet the outcome couldn’t have been any other way. The excessive and unnecessary use of force and show of power as practiced by a few State police personnel is the reason for the suspicious and hesitant mindset of the public when it comes to dealing with the Police. Only time and consistent efforts on the part of the concerned authorities can hope to win back the trust and understanding of the public. Yet recent developments in which Head Constable Herojit, one of the accused in the 2003 fake encounter have repeatedly confessed and reiterated his statements is a clear indication of the redundant and indifferent law and order system in the State. It is evident that the Government has neither learnt nor attempted to address such deviations and aberrations in the society. Meanwhile, the fear psychosis that has been deeply ingrained in the minds of the public will take a long and arduous effort to be erased from their minds. The onus of endearing themselves to the public and to win their support and acceptance rests entirely on these parties whose trigger happy image as portrayed needs to be changed and altered significantly. But above all, a firm yet committed form of governance coupled with the capacity to see through the promises made, with the tenacity and an earnest attitude towards making a visible change in their approach towards alleviating the society and a willingness to admit and atone for the errors made is a prime requisite at the moment. After all, a great leader should be an astute follower of the wishes and aspirations of the common people. The public will not have to wait much longer now to decide if they really have what it takes to walk the talk.
