The high drama that took place at the Karipur airport of Kozhikode last evening is yet another classic case of our distorted outlook towards security.
The Incident.
Around 2130h, a scuffle had broken out between Fireman Aji Kumar and Sub Inspector Sitaram Choudhary of the Central Industrial Security Force, at the entry gate near the Air Traffic Control tower, over the issue of frisking. Soon, more personnel belonging to both the groups joined the fracas and in the resultant scuffle, the loaded pistol of SI Sitaram Choudhary let go one round that saw the unfortunate death of Head Constable SS Yadav of the CISF, when he had taken the bullet on his head.
The subsequent rampage and the consequent scare prevalent within the airport premises resulted in the flying operations being suspended for many hours.
My take.
This is yet another classic case of our distorted views on security. I'd like to remind all of us the words of a dreaded terrorist - on being interrogated - about how the terrorists view security and I quote, "How long can your security forces remain vigilant? 24 hrs, 48 hrs or even 72? But somewhere in between, slackness will set in and the guard is temporarily down and it's that moment that we capitalise to send home the killer shot to do the needful!"
Security has to be 24x7, with zero tolerance in slackness. Period! And it has to be applied on all people equally, without fear or favour, irrespective of their 'positions on the pecking order' or their proximity to power!! In the process, one might have to go through 'checks' many a time in a day but that's a necessity whether one likes it or not. The security forces, on the other hand, must be constantly educated about the need for carrying out meaningful searches while being humane during the process. I've heard an oft repeated refrain and I quote, "Oh, those security guys are dumbos, they do not even know as to what they're doing. They simply go by their seniors' orders".
We, the people, therefore, have to undergo their searches, pat downs where necessary and continuous surveillance through their electronic eyes without any grudge. It's part of the game!
Instead, we get sentimental about Shah Rukh Khan being searched at a US airport.......... Remember every group in an airport is important for its smooth functioning, no group is more important or better or superior to the other and all the support groups have to pull together to make the airport taut and a pleasurable experience to be in it, for the milieu of passengers that pass through, every moment.
This unfortunate incident has happened because of a play of egos, misplaced feeling of importance, in other words, an ugly turf war between the support groups of the airport and has to cease forthwith. There needs to be a fundamental change in attitude!
RIP, Head Constable Sharad Singh Yadav. With tears and prayers. Here's wishing that your near and dear ones are able to brave through their tremendous loss and these distressful times.
Tailpiece.
Carrying out security duties is the most difficult and a thankless job. Let's learn to respect them and help them in carrying out their duties by co-operating with them wholeheartedly.
The Incident.
Around 2130h, a scuffle had broken out between Fireman Aji Kumar and Sub Inspector Sitaram Choudhary of the Central Industrial Security Force, at the entry gate near the Air Traffic Control tower, over the issue of frisking. Soon, more personnel belonging to both the groups joined the fracas and in the resultant scuffle, the loaded pistol of SI Sitaram Choudhary let go one round that saw the unfortunate death of Head Constable SS Yadav of the CISF, when he had taken the bullet on his head.
The subsequent rampage and the consequent scare prevalent within the airport premises resulted in the flying operations being suspended for many hours.
My take.
This is yet another classic case of our distorted views on security. I'd like to remind all of us the words of a dreaded terrorist - on being interrogated - about how the terrorists view security and I quote, "How long can your security forces remain vigilant? 24 hrs, 48 hrs or even 72? But somewhere in between, slackness will set in and the guard is temporarily down and it's that moment that we capitalise to send home the killer shot to do the needful!"
Security has to be 24x7, with zero tolerance in slackness. Period! And it has to be applied on all people equally, without fear or favour, irrespective of their 'positions on the pecking order' or their proximity to power!! In the process, one might have to go through 'checks' many a time in a day but that's a necessity whether one likes it or not. The security forces, on the other hand, must be constantly educated about the need for carrying out meaningful searches while being humane during the process. I've heard an oft repeated refrain and I quote, "Oh, those security guys are dumbos, they do not even know as to what they're doing. They simply go by their seniors' orders".
We, the people, therefore, have to undergo their searches, pat downs where necessary and continuous surveillance through their electronic eyes without any grudge. It's part of the game!
Instead, we get sentimental about Shah Rukh Khan being searched at a US airport.......... Remember every group in an airport is important for its smooth functioning, no group is more important or better or superior to the other and all the support groups have to pull together to make the airport taut and a pleasurable experience to be in it, for the milieu of passengers that pass through, every moment.
This unfortunate incident has happened because of a play of egos, misplaced feeling of importance, in other words, an ugly turf war between the support groups of the airport and has to cease forthwith. There needs to be a fundamental change in attitude!
RIP, Head Constable Sharad Singh Yadav. With tears and prayers. Here's wishing that your near and dear ones are able to brave through their tremendous loss and these distressful times.
Tailpiece.
Carrying out security duties is the most difficult and a thankless job. Let's learn to respect them and help them in carrying out their duties by co-operating with them wholeheartedly.
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