Raipur: Don't be deterred or demoralised by
the criticism from human rights activists, political parties,
media or anybody else. Just enforce law and hold your head
high.
This is the morale-boosting message from Home Minister P
Chidambaram to the security forces which often come under
attack while dealing with the problems of Naxalism and
terrorism.
"I want you to know that despite criticism from every
quarter, from hapless citizen to arm chair pundit, from
defence lawyer to learned judge, from political parties to
civil society organisations and from editorial writers to
television anchors, you should be proud to wear your uniform
and perform your duties.
"Because, when hit by a crisis or a tragedy, everyone -
and I mean everyone - turns to the police. More often than not
the presence of a policeman is reassuring. More often than not
the deployment of the police force restores law and order and
security. More often than not the policeman turns out to be a
friend and protector," he said.
Addressing the 40th All India Police Science Congress
here, the Home Minister said when there is a conflict
situation, the person most likely to make the supreme
sacrifice is a policeman.
"Therefore, let not criticism -- sometimes justified,
often unjustified -- deter or demoralise police personnel."
He told the security forces that their "obligation is
to the law" and "as long as you enforce the law, uphold human
rights, use no more than the minimum force that is necessary,
and act without fear or favour you can hold your head high as
a member of the police force."
Meanwhile, as Maoist violence goes on unabated Chidambaram today said Chhattisgarh is going through a difficult time and the Central government stands by
it, ready to provide all help.
"I wish to tell the people of Chhattisgarh that, in this
period of difficulty, the Central government stands by you.
We are ready and willing to render all assistance possible in
order (to ensure) that Chhattisgarh will be able to overcome
the challenges to the security of its people," he said.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, June 03, 2010, 00:36