Enforcement institutions impose coercive tactics

Authorities have started using police to suppress voices

LAHORE:

The theory that the police and other enforcement institutions are the tools of coercion in the hands of the rulers is turning out to be true with each passing day. The law enforcement authorities have been frequently used for suppression during recent years.

Since high costs of electricity, overbilling and load-shedding have been coming up as another serious national issue during the past several months, the authorities have started using the police to suppress any voices against it. People had been raising hue and cry over the rise in electricity tariffs and load-shedding, while the government authorities had been using different tactics to divert and suppress the public demands.

A harsh turn in policy has been observed while dealing with public dissent against electricity issues. Amidst rising fears in government ranks against the start of mass agitation, efforts are being observed to ‘nip the evil in the bud’. For example, a few days back, Lahore police registered a case against several people for staging protests against load-shedding in Raiwind.

On July 3, a group of people had come on the road due to load-shedding for two days in their area. As they were staging a protest, the authorities rather than listening to their grievances and addressing these registered an FIR against them, declaring the protest an unlawful assembly. The approach is problematic as it will further deteriorate the public image of the state and its institutions, and generate more hatred.

In a horrific incident reported during the week, a shopkeeper subjected a minor child to severe humiliation and torture, signifying the apathetic behaviour of our society towards children and frustration. Reportedly, the child was visiting a shop to buy a few things for himself in Sabzazar. The shopkeeper alleged that the victim child had stolen valuables from his shop. He subjected the child to a worst form of humiliation.

Children are delicate, vulnerable and the future of the society. They need to be treated with empathy and compassion.