By Rayner Kharkrang
The tragic road accident on Friday near the ICAR complex in Meghalaya that claimed the life of Hudderfield Rymbui and left another critically injured has once again put the spotlight on the troubling VIP culture that prioritizes the convenience of a few over the safety and dignity of the many. As the victims were en route to the Cherry Blossom Festival, their motorcycle was struck by a police escort vehicle leading a VIP convoy. The incident not only caused immense grief but also sparked public outrage over the reckless and arbitrary nature of VIP convoys in our state.
While the necessity of providing security arrangements to VIPs is acknowledged, it is imperative to stress that citizens are entitled to fundamental rights that must not be infringed upon by such arrangements. The right to undisturbed travel, the right to dignity, right to life and the right to safety are sacrosanct and cannot be undermined to accommodate the privileges of a selected few. Moreover, citizens deserve equal treatment under the law, irrespective of whether they are elected ministers or ordinary individuals.
This troubling trend also goes against the ethos enshrined in Article 38 of the Indian Constitution. Article 38 directs the state to eliminate inequalities in status, income, and opportunities among individuals. However, the glaring disparity between the privileges extended to VIPs and the plight of ordinary citizens on the roads reflect a blatant disregard for this principle. The unchecked VIP culture, which prioritizes the comfort of a few at the cost of public safety and dignity, is in stark violation of the Directive Principles of State Policy that seek to promote social justice and equality
That unfortunately, it is pertinent to note that this is not the first time, such an incident has occurred. Instances of Meghalaya Police escort vehicles causing harm have been a recurring issue in the past. In January 2022, the driver of the then Meghalaya Home Minister’s escort car was suspended following a similar accident. The accident occurred in the Khera area, where a police vehicle escorting the Home Minister’s car-cade at the tail collided with a motorcycle coming from the opposite direction. The crash killed the rider on the spot and left the pillion rider seriously injured.
The circumstances of this particular incident also raise pertinent questions. Was the minister in the convoy on Friday traveling to an urgent or unavoidable engagement? If not, why was such reckless speed and blaring sirens justified? Such practices reflect a blatant abuse of power, eroding public trust in governance. It is unacceptable that the ordinary citizen should live in fear of being shoved off the road or subjected to indignity due to the overzealous enforcement of VIP travel protocols.
According to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, 103 VIPs in the state are provided security under categories outlined in the Ministry of Home Affairs’ “Yellow Book.” This includes Z+, Z, Y, and X categories, with protections ranging from high-level armed escorts to minimal cover. While security classifications are necessary for those genuinely under threat, the sheer number of protected individuals in a state as small as Meghalaya raises questions about the equitable allocation of resources and priorities. With 103 VIPs crisscrossing the state under heavy escort, the odds of collisions and similar incidents are distressingly high if such convoys continue to operate with impunity and disregard for public safety.
Possible solution
It is time for the state to reassess its approach to VIP security. There must be a balance between safeguarding individuals who genuinely require protection and ensuring the rights and safety of the public are not compromised. Strict enforcement of convoy protocols, enhanced driver training, and greater accountability for reckless actions by escort vehicles are non-negotiable. Public safety must take precedence over the optics of power.
To address the issue effectively, the government must adopt a multi-pronged approach to balance VIP security with public safety. This includes mandating specialized training for drivers of escort vehicles to ensure they adhere to traffic regulations and prioritize safety. Stricter enforcement of convoy protocols, such as limiting the size of convoys, can minimize disruption to public movement. Accountability measures, like penalties for reckless driving and Departmental Proceedings/Inquiries into incidents, should be robustly implemented. Additionally, a re-evaluation of the necessity for VIP convoys for non-critical engagements could reduce their frequency, thereby mitigating public inconvenience and safety risks. Such measures would align governance practices with constitutional principles, ensuring that public welfare is prioritized over the privileges of a select few.
The untimely death of Hudderfield Rymbui is a wake-up call. If the state fails to act now, it risks perpetuating a culture where the lives and dignity of its citizens are secondary to the privileges of a few. This is not merely an issue of governance; it is a matter of justice and humanity.
(The writer is a practicing lawyer at various judicial fora in the North East and can be reached at [email protected] for comments).