By: Prof. Pradeep Mathur
NEW DELHI: Old timers in Delhi can recall. In the early months of 1991 there was an incidence of communal clash in Old Delhi area near Jama Masjid. There was tension in the air and it was feared that the situation may worsen leading to large scale violence. Socialist leader Chandra Shekhar was the Prime Minister and he was informed of the development. A genuine leader of the masses and a fearless soul, Chandra Shekhar decided to visit the area dismissing security concerns voiced by his staff.
The Prime Minister’s desire visit to the trouble spot worried the law and order authorities. A strong security ring was ordered to avoid any untoward incident in an emotionally- charged atmosphere. Local leaders, who were to meet the Prime Minister, were properly briefed. Accompanied by Home Secretary and senior officials Prime Minister reached the Old Delhi area and for a while talked to local leaders and the Imam of Jama Masjid. Then he expressed a desire to meet the SHO of the area.
Thinking how could a Prime Minister talk to a lowly police officer his aide signalled the Police Commissioner of Delhi to come. The Prime Minister tod him : “ Commissioner sahib aap nahi jo es area ka in- charge ho usse baat karyae.” (Not you Mr. Commissioner, I want to talk to the police in-charge of the area). The DCP of the area was summoned but the Prime Minister said that he wanted to talk to the SHO.
The SHO, who was standing at some distance from the visiting VIP’s, was called. Mortally afraid of facing the Prime Minister the SHO came nervously and saluted Mr. Chandra Shekhar. But Mr. Chandra Shekhar put his hand on his back and said: “Daroga Sahib yeh jhagda kitni der mein theek ho jayega. (How long will it take for this trouble to be over). Reassured the SHO said “ Sahib, sab hum par chodh de to sham tak sab badmasho ko ander kar ke theek kar dunga.” ( If you leave everything to me I will catch all the culprits and by evening the situation will be all right).Mr. Chandra Shekhar said: “Theek hai Jaise hee halat theek ho mujhe phone kariyega, Mein intezar karuga.” ( Fine. As soon as the situation comes under control call me. I will wait for your call).
As the SHO saluted and moved away the Prime Minister told all top officers around to let the SHO have a free hand in tackling the situation without any interference. As soon as the VIPs moved away the SHO and his sub-inspectors came into action. The trouble makers, culprits and local thugs were either rounded up or warned to behave. And petty leaders were told to keep their mouths shut. By the evening the situation started improving and soon it wasback to normal. The action was so swift that it hardly made news headlines.
Controlling a violent situation like riots where tempers run high and there is blood on the head of enraged masses who are blind to reason and persuasion, calls for courage, commitment and a clear-headed approach. Unfortunately all these things were missing in the case of bloody riots in Delhi earlier this week. That is the reason the situation went out of control and resulted in huge loss of life and property.
It is true that riots are often pre-planned by crooks to further their narrow political and business interests. But the frenzied mobs of misguided youth who indulged in actual looting, burning and killing act on the spur of the moment. The action to stop them has to be instant and on the spot which can be taken by the local police chowki without waiting for instructions from the top.
A product of socialist movement and a genuine mass leader like Chandra Shekhar knew this fact. Our media- built drawing room politicians hardly know this. Byte-seeking reporters, mostly product of a time when student unions are dead and journalists unions are defunct further confuse the situation by their lack of understanding and experience in reporting protest movements.
(The author, a veteran journalist and a former Professor at IIMC, New Delhi, is editor of Media map, a monthly thought journal on current affairs & Sr. Consulting Editor-ICN Group)
