Nitish takes tough stand against policemen who had threatened to go on strike over suspension of SHOs for not enforcing prohibition
Patna : Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday took a tough stand against the policemen who had threatened to go on strike from August 28 in protest against suspension of officers-in-charge of police stations found negligent in enforcing prohibition and warned them “either enforce the law or quit police service”.
Addressing the newly elected panchayat representatives of Kushwaha community at S K Memorial Hall here, Nitish took strong exception of the Bihar Police Association-an organisation of ASIs, SIs and inspectors of police who had submitted memorandum to the director general of police two days back opposing suspension of 11 police inspectors in different districts it’s as liquor was being sold and manufactured illegally in their jurisdiction.
Association had declared no police officer would work as officer-in-charge of police stations now and it collected applications from 250 officers-in-charge who declined to work as officers-in-charge and submitted to police headquarters.
Nitish Kumar on Saturday said, “I have been given mandate to rule, to govern. Total prohibition is on. I am implementing the wishes of Mahatma Gandhi. I am a true follower of Gandhiji. Total prohibition is tribute to him. If police officers are expressing their opposition to prohibition and are unwilling to work in the police stations, better they resign (Naukri chhod do).”
Nitish said he does not care to the threats of the policemen. State government has rewarded the police officers publicly who have successfully enforced prohibition in their areas.
Nitish was visibly upset over the remarks of the RJD vice-president and former union minister Raghuwansh Prasad Singh who too supported the policemen and said their suspension over failure to enforce total prohibition was unjustified. Nitish said no relaxation will be given to the policemen in implementing the law. Discipline is for all, if some police officers feel shy of working as officers-in-charge, they should resign from their service immediately.
RJD leader had used some objectionable words against Nitish two days back. Nitish responded by saying, “I do not use objectionable words against any one. If someone finds the law defective, he should give suggestions to improve the law and not hurl abuses only”.
Chief minister told the panchayat representatives he has received some suggestions which include blood sample test before arresting any accused for violation of the prohibition law. Fresh guidelines would be issued to the excise and police officers in this respect, he said. Presently, anyone found with liquor bottle is arrested and sent to jail for minimum 15 days.
Chief Minister repeated his warning that any policemen wanting in implementation of total prohibition will not get a posting in police station for ten years.
Former chief minister, Jagannath Mishra on Friday wrote to the Governor Ram Nagth Kovind suggesting he should not give his assent to the Bill passed by state legislature during monsoon session last week as it violated human rights of the people.
