Sir,
This has reference to Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed’s write-up- ‘Institutionalized protection to corrupt by SVO’ (DE, January 21, 2016).
The writer has mentioned various cases to prove his point that in J & K even the established cases of corruption are dumped and accused allowed to go scot free because of their connections with those who are supposed to frame and protect the law by ensuring the punishment of the guilty so that rule of law prevails.
The writer is very correct in his observation that ‘few families in J&K have been taking the Government of India and people of state for a ride and rest are suffering because of corruption and the corrupt are free to loot the resources of the state’.
It is also a fact that instead of giving exemplary punishment to higher-ups involved in corruption, the proven and known corrupt officers are given lucrative and sensitive postings because they are hand in glove with the corrupt political mentors holding high positions in the government.
The write-up was excellent but for the fact that the writer has not suggested ways and means to overcome this malady which like mite is eating into the very vital of our society. Unless the laws are implemented strictly and the nexus between corrupt bureaucrats, politicians, police and law enforcing agencies, middle-men and criminals is broken, corruption can’t be contained.
Media has played and would continue to play a very important role to expose cases of corruption and bring guilty to book. The judiciary has also played its role by not succumbing to any pressure and pronouncing verdicts punishing the powerful and the influential. The citizens of the country had participated in a campaign against corruption and opted for a change of Government whose members were involved in various acts of corruption. Our state has yet to witness a strong campaign against corruption though it has earned the distinction of being number one in corruption. May be there is no role model like Anna Hazare to lead such a movement.
Unless we learn to live within our means and overcome temptation of making easy money through misuse of our power and unfair means, corruption can’t be rooted out from the society. A strong public movement is need of the hour but the same can’t be launched by hypocrites who themselves indulge in corruption, don’t pay their taxes and don’t possess those values and the principles which are needed for credibility and sustaining any public movement. The role of elected representatives is of crucial importance but they talk of development only and not of eradicating corruption because a large number of them are product of the corrupt system and indulge in various acts of corruption. Religious leaders can also play their role in creating awareness against corruption. Mere sermonizing, lecturing, holding seminars and setting up institutions won’t produce the desired results. One must become an example to motivate others to be honest and such like-minded persons may be united to bring desired change in the society by launching a strong movement against corruption so that leaders who take voters for granted desist from indulgence in such acts and instead of offering lip service to honesty become honest in their intentions and in practice also.
Yours etc….
Arun Jandial
57-Ajit Colony(Extn.)
Talab Tillo, Camp Road.
II
Sir,
This is in reference to the write up, “Institutionalized protection to corrupt by SVO” by Mr. Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed in DE on January 21, 2016. The writer is absolutely correct by saying that hardly any politician or a senior bureaucrat has been punished under PC Act in J&K whereas few cases are there in which Ex-CMs, senior bureaucrats and politicians are arrested and put behind the bar in other states of India.
The clichéd claim of “Transparent and Accountable Governance” by successive governments in J&K now sounds hollow and meaningless the manner corrupts are being shielded by politicians who assert pressure and influence not only on the investigating agency but also on the judiciary indirectly. It’s high time, Crime Branch and Vigilance Organisation sets its house in order and first step towards it is to place officers of utmost integrity and professionalism in these organisations at all ranks.
Your etc….
Chander Shekher
16 Canonbrook, Lucan
Dublin, Ireland.
III
Sir,
This is in reference to article titled “Institutionalised Protection to Corrupt by SVO’ dated January 21, 2016 written by Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmad wherein the writer has highlighted inside story of functioning of premier investigating agency of the state SVO. On the basis of the writer’s facts many shocking revelations have come to the foreground wherein SVO has miserably failed to nail the corrupt and instead is providing a safe passage to them. Strangely the same organisation was also dubbed as ‘LAZY’ by former Chief Justice of J&K High Court Justice M M Kumar as well. The clarion call to wind up SVO is very right in present context when the anti-graft organisation is proving to be a ‘White Elephant’ and lacking a will to work against corrupt. The ‘key mantra’ of SVO seems to be to shield the big sharks and target lesser fries thereby eroding the confidence of general public in the rule of law. In absence of a popular government, the Governor N N Vohra must take SVO to task and issue a directive to speed up probes particularly against high ups including bureaucrats and politicians to restore confidence of tax payers.
Yours etc…
Prof S K Bhalla
Rehari Colony, Jammu.
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