ON THIS New Year, the capital city of Assam, Guwahati, was rocked by serial blasts killing at least five and injuring scores of innocent people. This is truly a very sad state of affairs that such an attack took place. The sound of the last serial blasts is still ringing in the ears of the people, loud and deafeningly. When the power that be, claims tightening of security for protecting the lives and property of the people, such an incident proves that the tall claims are nothing but a farce.

 

This failure also exposes the state of affairs of the intelligence mechanism that is prevailing in the police apparatus of the state, and for that matter, in the country. Talking of intelligence, it must be felt that the very word signifies requirement of the faculty of intelligence in any person to be able to do justice to the very concept.

 

It is really a dismal scenario that barring a few high ups the rank and file of the police force in the country is not at all in possession of the intelligence level required for efficient functioning. It has been observed that except the recruitments through Union Public Service Commission and other state government civil services commissions for the higher level positions, other lower posts in the police set up are filled up by recruiting people, who come for such appointments after having failed to obtain any other services.

 

There is no gainsaying that in the recruitment process of the higher level posts clandestine dealings have cropped up. This is a very detestable phenomenon. Therefore, it can never be expected that these people would be able to deliver what is required beyond their ability. Training imparted to these personnels is also not of the world standard to enable them to cope with the demanding situations. Potbellied police personnels are a common sight; how can these people without any physical fitness be expected to swing into prompt action in an emergency. There arises a need for an overhauling of the entire police force and to attract people of high caliber into the fold as the lives and property of the people of the nation are at stake.

 

In respect of intelligence, perhaps, the military intelligence set up is somewhat more efficient than the police force. Nevertheless, there is scope for much improvement in gathering of intelligence. The military and police must be having an edge over the intelligence of the terrorist outfits and the forces are to be provided with all kinds of equipments and latest technological know-how. In recruiting military personnels, the defense academies and military schools take the primary role in respect of the commissioned officers; the recruitment of the lower level cadres must also be given equal importance because the security of the country is in the hands of the military.

 

While recruiting police personnels, the stature of the whole organisation needs be elevated to such a standard that top brains willfully comes in to join the police services. In this manner, the police force would be able to command respect and confidence of the people. Intelligent people are required to garner true intelligence. The Situation might improve with adoption of such measures, with utmost urgency.