A TASK FORCE PEOPLE. LOOKED UP TO..................With the declaration of lockdown following the Carona crises people indulged in panic buying fearing groceries and essential items would be off the shelves in the market . Though our priminister had assured, that there was enough food supplies for at least one year. But still people who had been wise and had seen enough life, advised to store at least the necessary grains . It was the time for the shopkeepers to make gains .As my house was situated In The main market ,I didn't have much problem in getting the groceries .The old and wise could be seen buying face masks ,medicines, hand gloves ,sanitizers detail soaps etc to make themselves strong health wise . I knew the doctors were working relentlessly in the hospitals to save covid 19 patients ,the paramedics and the sanitation workers were also on duty round the clock at the risk of their own lives . But it was the police in blue beconed scorpio jeeps which drew my attention.As they got down I feared that they would be using their danda to clear the people on the road but surprisingly, they gently but firmly asked the shopkeepers to close their shops and instructed people to go back to their homes and practice social distancing . People adhered, but some stubborn vendors had to strictly dealt by people . This was understandable in the. given situation .The streets bore a deserted look . Even the street dogs, could smell danger as they howled and moaned at the lack of human company .This face of police was new to me .As I mostly associated this task force with intimidation and threats . People also eyed them with suspicion and fear . Suddenly the police siren sounded the Jeep sped away leaving a trail af dust behind . With blurred vision my thoughts went into the ch past ,when I was a small child .My house was situated.in an old mohalla which overlooked a police thaama . Near my house grew a old tall and heavy tamarind tree .It's long and thick branches would hang heavily over my terrace . blocking the road activities and view of thaana . With my mohullla friends I would often run up to my terrace to pluck tamarinds with the help of a pole . In doing so I would often got a view of the busy main raod and the activities within the low height boundary of the thaana.Now and then I would see men in khaaki Uniform spanking handcuffed men who were shabbily dressed.their shrill yells would make me run to my mother from the terrace . I would often ask her, "Why do they beat these handcuffed men.' My mother would say , They are thieves and it is the duty of the police to catch and put them in jail .'' I would then tug at my mother's pallu a tell her ," Take me to the thaana mother, I will request thanedar uncle no to beat them' . My mother would put finger on my lips and say " GIrls of respectable families don't go to law courts and police thaana ". Her answer would not satisfy me .
As I grew older with education and awareness. The stature of police services grew in my eyes . In fact they became the most coveted Service in the aspiring youth . Women vied with men to get selected in this prestigious service . But it was not long that corruption seeped into this service like termites . It no longer remained a task force people looked up to ,but a task force people feared and ran away!
The common man didn't want anything to do with the police .Infact people distanced themselves with anyone who was entangled in a police case .The trust had gone .It seemed a lot of will was needed needed to stop the rot which had set in this service .People had also adjusted with the system and thought it difficult to revert things .
Suddenly India was affected by the Carina crises like China ,Italy U.S.A and Spain . But fortunately India had enough time to pull up it's socks ,and adopt preventive measures .The doctors ,nurses ,sanitation workers ,paramedics , administration and the government all set into action at the risk of their own lives .
Subsequently a new face of police services surfaced.It was humanitarian ,approachable ,caring and kind .As directed by their chiefs the police went to each and every street cautioning people to take precautions.Not only this they supplied rations at peoples home ,took the sick and ailing to the hospital,supplied milk powder for the babies and medicines for the pregnant women ,and helped the handicapped at the risk of their own lives .
People felt pampered and elated in spirits .
I wish that this humanitarian face of police continues in normal times also.Ofcourse I do not expect them to supply things at our doorsteps. but adopt a sensitive and humanitarian attitude towards the people .The new face is an inspiration to the youth to cultivate and practice humility and sensitivity in the execution of their duties in whichever field .
And I wish each and every citizen cooperated in the duties and responsibility of these brave hearts .
So that we get rid of this deadly virus and welcome a enter the new world happily smiling .
Suddenly the cry of the cockoo broke through the deadly silence and I was brought to the present.I saw some ladies in neighbourhood offering home made samosa and tea to the police officers who had come back to make sure that everyone stayed at home and practised social distancing .Their face softened at the sweet homely gesture .They smiled got in their vehicles and sped away . knew it was a force people looked up to ........................
NAMITA. RAI
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