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| ‘Disbanding' of VDCs leads to fresh ‘controversy' among coalition partners of J-K | | BJP opposes move, PDP demands for same | | Jehangir Rashid
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Dec 24: The disbanding of Village Defence Committees (VDCs) or otherwise in the state has come up as yet another point of 'controversy' between Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its alliance partner Bharatiya Janta Party.
While BJP's senior leader and Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh had on Wednesday out-rightly rejected the demand for disbanding of VDCs, the PDP on the other side has advocated for disbanding the VDCs although in a clandestine manner.
Talking to Early Times, PDP spokesman Dr. Mehboob Beg said that extraordinary situation under which VDCs were created in the state no longer holds. Dr. Beg said that Jammu & Kashmir Police should be entrusted with the responsibility of protecting the lives of civilians of the state.
"Basically the job of protecting the lives of people is carried out by the Police Department. The police are responsible for ensuring that lives of people are safe and secure. However, at the same time we should understand that VDCs were created under extraordinary situation. The abnormal situation no longer prevails and as such it would be better to hand over the duties carried out by VDC members to police," said Dr. Beg.
The PDP spokesman said that there is a positive sea change in the overall situation across the state and as such there is no further role of VDCs in Jammu & Kashmir. He said that while police personnel are held accountable for their actions there is no such provision for actions being taken by VDC members.
"It should be the wish of every legislator that the job for which VDCs came into being is handed over to the police. It is my belief that all the legislators are on the same page in this regard. This would also ensure that nobody takes law into his own hands. At the same time a positive message would also emanate from the state," said Dr. Beg.
The PDP spokesman said that it is the responsibility of all the political parties in the state to reach a consensus that the 'purpose' for which VDCs came into existence has been fulfilled. He said since every legislator wants that peace should prevail it is time that matters to law and order are handed over to police.
PDP general secretary, Rafi Ahmad Mir said that since the VDC issue has come up as a controversial issue time is ripe for disbanding it. Mir said that in case the VDCs are not disbanded that the State Government has yet another option to tide over the crisis in this regard.
"Since lot of heat and controversy has been generated over the issue of VDCs, I believe the State Government should order for its immediate disbanding. If that is not possible then these VDCs should be brought under some statutory control. This would ensure that there is a check on the overall activities of VDCs," said Mir.
Referring to the recommendations of committee headed by former Solicitor General, Soli Sorabjee on police reforms, the PDP General Secretary said that State Government should implement the recommendations given with respect to external forces. He said that since the committee has recommended for reigning of such forces the government should act on such recommendations.
"Ideally the PDP would like that all the VDCs are disbanded. If that step cannot be taken at least the people at helm should make such committees accountable. This is possible only when they are brought under such control and hopefully it is done sooner than later," said Mir. |
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