Editor,
I have always been cynical of traffic policemen who have time and again displayed a sort of dismissive attitude towards the traffic rules. I am a witness to such acts where the traffic cops allow VIPs to unabashedly ignore a ‘No Right Turn’, ‘No Entry’ or ‘No Parking.’ What is galling is that policemen even salute such VIPs. But it is heartening to read of the traffic policemen who weighed the common man and government officials on an equal footing. After all, all are equal in the eyes of the law. I was also delighted over the good job of a traffic policeman who fined Community and Rural Development Minister Saleng Sangma. We were all apprehensive lest the cop is summoned for explanation, or transferred or suspended for doing his duty. Ironically, on Sunday 18th December, 2011 the front pages of the newspapers screamed, “Traffic cops in trouble after issuing slip to MLA.” First and foremost how could Ronnie V Lyngdoh, throw his weight around and trample upon laws that have been made applicable to all and sundry? Secondly, on what basis can the MLA issue a notice to the constable S Thapa and DSP (City) Cherry Shadap to appear before the Privileges Committee? How can Lyngdoh reprimand the two policemen for performing their duties? Thirdly, what gives Ronnie Lyngdoh the privilege to break rules?
I salute the officers who have dared to perform their duties by the rule book and with utmost sincerity and dedication. Sadly, legislators like Ronnie Lyngdoh have brazenly displayed what a career in politics means. India is a democracy and none is above the law. Do our legislators need to be reminded of their oath of office? One wonders if the people of the State will again make the same mistake, turn a blind eye and vote the likes of Ronnie Lyngdoh in the upcoming election in 2013. At this juncture one would like to call upon the numerous NGOs and the people of the state as well to condemn the actions of the MLA and fight for what is right by standing on the side of these two policemen and to see that they face no punitive action for performing their duties. Each one of us need to come together to do our bit so as to rid our State of such despotic acts as displayed by the MLA.
Yours etc.,
Dr Jenniefer Dkhar,
Shillong-4
