Jammu, July 28: Former Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid has expressed grave concerns regarding the current situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He addressed several issues, including the use of pellet guns during protests in Delhi and the firing of AK-47s by police during demonstrations in Bihar. Vaid criticized the role of international organizations, questioning their silence amid the turmoil in PoJK. He emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the education system.
Regarding the situation in PoJK, Vaid stated that the elections there do not reflect a genuine democratic process. The political party that receives support from the Pakistani army tends to win. A significant number of people are participating in protests, raising serious doubts about the fairness of the voting process. Reports indicate that Pakistani Rangers and the army have opened fire on protesters, resulting in fatalities and numerous injuries. It is tragic that innocent people in PoJK are facing brutal actions.
Vaid noted that videos from PoJK are circulating on social media, showing locals pleading for help from international human rights organizations. He questioned the silence of the United Nations Human Rights Council, the UN, the United States, and Western media, suggesting that if similar incidents occurred elsewhere, there would be widespread reactions. He urged India to robustly raise the issue of PoJK’s conditions on international platforms and inform the world about the situation there.
On the use of pellet guns by security forces during protests in Delhi, Vaid explained that when a large number of police officers are injured, and public property is damaged, the use of force becomes necessary to maintain law and order. If security forces had not intervened, the situation could have worsened. The primary responsibility of any police officer is to protect their colleagues and public order. However, he stressed that the use of force should be minimized in cases involving students.
Regarding the incident in Bihar where police fired an AK-47, Vaid stated that using such assault rifles to manage law and order is inappropriate. In such situations, standard operating procedures (SOPs) should include measures like water cannons, tear gas, chili grenades, and, if necessary, baton charges. Various accounts of the incident have emerged, and the Bihar police have suspended the involved officer. A fair investigation into the matter is essential, and conclusions should only be drawn after all facts are presented.
On the proposed strict laws to prevent paper leaks, Vaid supported the government’s initiative to bring transparency to the examination system and impose strict penalties for such incidents. He believes that including harsh punishments and hefty fines in the law could help prevent future occurrences. He urged the opposition to rise above politics and offer constructive suggestions on this issue, emphasizing the need for serious discussions on education reform both inside and outside Parliament.
The former DGP highlighted the necessity for significant reforms in the country’s education system. He expressed concern over the excessive commercialization of education and called for increased public spending on education to develop world-class higher education institutions. In the changing global landscape, better opportunities must be made available to Indian youth within the country. He advocated for incorporating moral education and Indian cultural values as essential components of the education system, stating that it is crucial to teach the new generation the importance of being good citizens and upholding honesty and moral values.
Vaid further asserted that merely enacting strict laws is insufficient; the education system must equally strengthen moral values, transparency, and accountability to effectively address issues like paper leaks in the long term.
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