While the police are being held responsible by certain quarters for having been “mute spectators”, their critics have chosen to overlook the factors that made crowd-control at a religious festival venue a daunting task.
Several political leaders, including Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan, have demanded stringent action against police officers concerned for allegedly facilitating the fireworks display, despite the Kollam District Collector issuing a directive prohibiting the event. However, with the police denying having issued permission for the event, allegations that the event had the blessings of certain political leaders have gained strength.
A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said attempts to prohibit firecrackers and using elephants during religious festivals had always met with staunch opposition. “The lack of intent among the political class to address such touchy issues has always placed the police force at the receiving end. Not much thought is given to the fact that we can act only in accordance with the instructions issued to us,” he said. Maintenance of law and order during the ‘Meena Bharani’ festival at the Puttingal Devi temple has always been an “intimidating” task for police personnel. “There have been instances in the past when our colleagues were shown aside by those who came to witness the festivities. We were also provoked on numerous occasions. But, as was the case in the State, we are forced to turn a blind eye during such festivities that are attended by several thousands to prevent any kind of flare-up. In such cases, we are powerless and are required to be mute spectators,” the officer said.
