Encouraging initiative
The Himalayan Times
26 May 2014
Encouraging initiative
It was astonishing to read the news
“Minister tells cops to be courteous “ (THT, 22 May, Page 2) that might have been
appreciated by all the readers. The orientation programme “Police Service with
Smile” organized by the Nepal Police seems to be a very worthy programme in
terms of making the police service friendly. So far, the relationship between
the police and general people does not seem healthy for a number of reasons. This
is definitely a very encouraging step in the police history when a sitting Home
Minister directing police personnel to be courteous and asking them to
demonstrate good conduct and behaviour with the general public.
In fact, the general public find it uncomfortable
in the presence of the police which indicates that they see them (the police) as
intruders rather than helping friends. I have heard many times traffic police
scolding taxi and bus drivers using foul words. Can’t they be more polite with
them (drivers) while making them aware about traffic rules? Is it necessary to
use such words? Are the police taught to be harsh with the general public
during the training? If so, the content of their training program needs to be
revised to conform to the changed context? The general public are more literate
and sensitive now than before.
It is hoped that such orientation programs would
throughout the country. They will hopefully bring about positive changes among
the police personnel to correct their conduct and behaviour and help to improve
the public-police relationship in the days to come. In return, it is also hoped
that the general public will see the police personnel as their well wishers and
helping friends in times of necessity.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
