Farmers Movement Archive

His motto — to show positive side of policing

Tribune News ServiceGurdaspur, April 29Winning HeartsOver the years, the police force have, inadvertently or otherwise, developed a reputation of being rude. I want to change all this. One of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness. It actually is a sign of dignity. Politeness costs little and yields much.Jabarjit Singh, SHOGurdaspur city police station SHO Jabarjit Singh is one officer who has earned kudos not only from his seniors, but also from politicians and residents, which in itself is a compliment, because the last two are normally wary of speaking anything kind about cops.Last week, in what appeared to be a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth, as many as four NGOs could be seen distributing ration at one place instead of fanning out in the city, thus violating social distancing norms.Following an anonymous call, the SHO reached the spot within minutes. He booked at least six persons under Section 188 of the IPC (disobeying government orders).The rush at the grain markets also piqued him. He has now made a habit of reaching the mandi at 4 am and can be seen enforcing the social distancing rule, albeit politely."Over the years, the police force have, inadvertently or otherwise, developed a reputation of being rude. I want to change all this. One of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at politeness. It actually is a sign of dignity. Politeness costs little and yields much," says the officer as he goes about the task of asking farmers to stand at least two yards away from each other.Around 9 am, his vehicle turns towards the Tibri road, where several banks are located. He asks his lathi wielding men not to be discourteous to anybody whatever the provocation may be."Things at the banks have improved ever since our Deputy Commissioner pulled up the manager of a nationalised bank. People now themselves maintain rules. However, there are others who get sadistic pleasure in flouting norms. The onus is on managers to bring a method to the madness. The thumb rule is to allow just 20 persons per hour inside the bank," he quipped.Impressed, PPCC chief Sunil Jakhar has given him an appreciation letter. So has local MLA Barindermeet Singh Pahra.The officer, at times, also enters the labyrinthine lanes to see if there any infringements. "Till yet I have imposed Section 188, IPC, on 29 persons. Whenever I make an arrest I switch off my mobile because I know I will be approached by somebody or the other," he says with a wry smile.In the evenings, Jabarjit supervises the distribution of ration to people living in slum areas near the railways station and the Kahnuwan road. "It is this stratum of society that needs to be looked after the most," he says.Indeed, if you want to test a man's true character, observe how he treats those who do not matter. Jabarjit scores a perfect 10 on this count.

The Tribune

2020-04-30