PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The leader of opposition (LoP) in Vidhan Sabha Yashpal Arya has said that regardless of who is in power, the police and administration must remain accountable to the Constitution. In a statement on Monday, Arya said that all the officers must understand and follow the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 in letter and spirit.
His statement follows the incident on Saturday when the Congress leaders had stormed into the office of the SSP of Udham Singh Nagar against alleged attempts by the police to prevent party workers from reaching the venue of the rally of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Haldwani.
He said that the All India Services, commonly known as the IAS and IPS have been the ‘steel frame’ of the nation’s unity, integrity and administrative continuity. The greatest strength of these services is their impartiality, political neutrality and commitment to the Constitution.
“ In a democratic system, an officer cannot behave like a worker of any political party. Administrative impartiality should not only exist but should also be visible,’’ he said.
Arya added that Uttarakhand is a State born out of a movement. The people here have fought long for their rights and fully understand the power of democratic resistance.
“ The recent incident outside the SSP office in Nainital raises serious questions in this context. The root causes of the incident and the subsequent circumstances are subject to an impartial investigation. However, if any administrative action creates a situation that incites public sentiment, the responsible officials should seriously introspect on their conduct and functioning,’’ he said.
Arya added the question also arises when the people coming to a peaceful rally are considered as ‘anti-social elements’ and administrative power is used to stop them or foil the rally.
