Editorial
Filling in a void
Patrol unit on the highway
The launching of a core highway police unit that is envisaged to grow to ensure road safety and check crimes on the long stretch of 22,379 km highways in the country, goes to meet a long-felt need. It is unthinkable in today's world of mechanised communication system not to have a special kind of policing of the highways. Taking the wide network of roads we have in relation to the small size of our country into account, it won't be an overstatement to say our road infrastructure can be a matter of envy for any developing country. Naturally there are high expectations from the newly formed unit. They will be expected not to just manage traffic on the highways to prevent accidents but also to control crimes like robbery, extortion etc. Speaking of highway accidents, there are two aspects to them: first, attend to the victims; and secondly, contain post-accident vandalism including smashing and burning of transports and obstructing traffic in a large area. The highway police unit, we hope, will be able to immediately reach the spots and help the victims. But they will need to be highly equipped and trained to perform under such circumstances. Highway patrol units must have a fast-track communication network with a computerised control system to coordinate activities between the units. Highway patrol immediately conjures up two images in our mind. One is about them lying in wait for the traffic rule breakers and secondly chasing the reckless drivers and finally catching them. All these things must start happening. Though in our context it is difficult to guarantee honesty and efficiency, especially since accusations of corruption against the law enforcers are rife, yet we would like to hope the authorities would be able to check any improper conduct on the part of any member of the unit and set the right precedents for establishing a dependable, efficient and responsible workforce to ensure safety of public life and property.
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