* 'No political interference in police functioning'
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: "The criminals should fear the police. A citizen should feel safe in the police station. The people should treat you as their friends… The police have to earn a good name," said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma here on Monday.
Addressing the first-ever conference of Officers in-charge (OCs) of police stations across the State, the Chief Minister said that the citizens must feel safe with the Assam Police and not fear them. He, however, stressed that the criminals would continue their anti-social activities in case the police do not come down heavily on them.
Sarma further said that the OCs of various police stations play a crucial role in ensuring good and effective policing.
"The senior police officials only supervise the work of the OCs, who do the ground work. If an OC is determined then he would not allow any anti-social activity in the areas under his/her jurisdiction; and, no criminal will dare to do anything. But if any crime takes place, we will have to think that the OC has made compromises in the execution of his duties," pointed out Sarma.
The Chief Minister asked the OCs to adopt zero tolerance in the crimes against women, adding that they should take strict action against the accused as prescribed in the law. He also said that the charge sheets against heinous crimes like rape, murder and case related to drugs and arms smuggling must be filed at the earliest.
"When we will again meet after six months, I will take stock of the status of charge sheets filed by various police stations across the State," he said.
Speaking on the cumbersome process involved in police verification and report for passport, and job appointments among others, the Chief Minister asked the OCs to ease the exercise to ensure that the people do not face difficulties. "The verifications must be completed within the stipulated deadlines. The police should inform the people immediately when the exercise is done. Things should be done in such a manner that the people do not have to visit the police stations again and again to inquire about the status of their verifications and reports," he said.
Strongly opposing political interference in the functioning of the police, Sarma urged the OCs to respect the Ministers and MLAs. "But, if they (Ministers and MLAs) ask you (OCs) to do certain things by overriding the existing rules and laws, please do not obey them. Even if I give instructions which go against the rules, you (OCs) do not obey. I may give some instructions out of certain compulsions," he said.
Reacting to the criticism against the police for shooting at criminals while they tried to escape from police custody, Sarma said, "No criminal should be spared if they try to flee. But the police should not shoot at anyone with ulterior motives," he said.
Referring to the various constraints being faced by the police while they perform their duties, Sarma assured that steps would be taken to solve their problems. "But the government pays salaries to you (OCs) on the first day of the month. So, the police will have to act tough against criminals. You have the responsibility of convincing the people that the police perform duty properly," he said, adding that the OCs of all police stations would be transferred after every two years.
During the conference, the Chief Minister announced that a four-wheeler will be provided to each OC for their police station and a bike in case the police station is located in the remote areas.
Sarma also announced that every police station will get a contingency annual fund of Rs 2.5 lakh, along with source money. In every police station, funds would be provided for building quarters (in case lands are available) — one for the OC and three for the sub-inspectors, he said.
The Chief Minister further advised the police personnel to adopt a healthy lifestyle and deliver people-friendly services. "The health department will conduct health check-ups for police personnel every 15 days," he added.