THE Institute of Democratic Rights (IDR) figures on murder and rape across the country in

March alone spell out a hard truth: the crime situation is bleaker than what the government wants to have us believe. Despite its much-publicised success in anti-crime operations the citizenry remain vulnerable as 260 murders, and 60 rapes in one month inspires anything but confidence in the government's ability to ensure safety and security for them. That the custodians of law. the police themselves have been implicated in a couple of rapes, two deaths in custody and the shooting of four to death render the situation even worse. The IDR report pegs on newspaper reports and information from its own sources, which means the actual figure, especially in the case of rape incidents, could be much higher; for. admittedly, so many such cases go unreported. The number of dowry-related deaths — suicides and murders, abductions and Incidents of acid-throwing are no less staggering. Overall, the figures reflect an extremely unstable society.

The government is certainly blameworthy for the law and order failure. Much of it has to do with enforcement failure, not absence of law as the ruling party appeared so keen on establishing while pushing through the controversial Public Safety (Special Provision) Act in the parliament. Surely, the police are not performing on this count. Besides, deaths in custody, rape by officials and their customary highhandedness have put their credibility among public on the line. To top it off. excessive political interference, principally from the ruling party could weaken the police resolve to fight crime and terrorism.

The situation ultimately speaks of governance failure. Police excesses emanate from political indulgence and laxity. Our political leadership must lead the fight against crime. That first and foremost requires them to stand above partisan consideration and let the law take its own course. Otherwise. the crime curve will only go up.