Aslam Khan
IPS Transfer Imbroglio:
Sentimental, Not Sensitive
By Denis
Giles
This is no loose talk,
neither a negative remark ... It is the truth which cannot be suppressed. And,
there is nothing sensitive about it. The issue of transfer of an active and
honest officer like Mrs. Aslam Khan IPS, Superintendent of Police,
Anti-Corruption Unit was initially brought to the notice of the Administrator
by Andaman Chronicle through twitter on 11th Dec 2013. Instead of taking the cue, the Administrator
lambasted the paper using phrases like ‘loose talk’, and warned not to comment
on such sensitive issues on social media.
In fact, the technological
advances and convergences happening in the world of media, has redefined the
presentation of news and views. Social media, today plays a major role in breaking
stories.
Furthermore, in the absence
of an active opposition in the Islands; circumstances compel the media to
highlight such issues. The reply by the Administrator on the twitter was in bad
taste, which forced AC to bring out the facts before the readers. Instead of
going public with the issue, it thought it prudent to meet the Administrator
and appraise him about the issue. But, the meeting once again reiterated the
fact that the Administration was in no mood to listen to the sentiments of the
Islanders.
Chronicle had no option,
but to bring out a full-fledged report on the issue highlighting its various
facets.
The issue, which could have
been resolved in a 20 minute rendezvous with the Administrator fizzled out only
because of the ‘negative’ attitude of the Administration towards media and the
present Administrator falling prey to misconceptions created by his officers.
Media being the fourth
estate is a pillar without which democracy cannot prevail. It has a significant
role to play when it comes to development of the society at large, as the views
expressed are nothing but the voice of the common man; which gets suppressed or
are sidelined, intentionally.
The issue is not of Mrs.
Aslam Khan as a person. The issue is the sentiments of the Islanders, which are
being fiddled with. Had it been any other competent and honest officer in place
of Mrs. Khan, AC would have taken the same stand.
The report carried in
Andaman Chronicle on 16th Dec. 2013 has raised many eyebrows. While few took it
as an attempt to degrade, there were many who could not grasp the catch.
It is high time the
Administration seriously engage the media in the process of policies and
decisions, if at all it really means for the Islanders. Although, the media
woke up to the situation and highlighted the mistake, there were no takers.
The issue is a huge blow to
the Islanders who had sighed relief after the frustrating six and a half year
tenure of the former Lt. Governor Bhopinder Singh, when corruption was at its
best and the Anti-Corruption Unit in deep slumber. There was a sigh of relief
for the Islanders, when Lt. Gen. (Retd) AK Singh took over as the new Lt.
Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
A promising, energetic,
focussed, people friendly, open hearted and by following what he preached, Lt.
Governor AK Singh became the messiah of the Islanders. He is the most happening
person in the Islands who promises to rewrite the history of the islands. In
fact his promises seem better than what was published in a multi colour glossy
book of achievement, a special supplementary issue on the then Lt. Governor
Vakkom Purushottaman titled ‘Golden Era of Andaman & Nicobar Islands’,
published by the first private daily of the islands, ‘Andaman Herald’ in 1995.
AK Singh announced that his
prime focus would be on Health, Education, Connectivity and zero tolerance for
corruption. The announcement came as soothing relief for the islanders who
never expected the pace at which their new LG could grasp their pulse. Orders
were issued, directions given and time frame set, and the best part was the LG
himself interacting with the islanders through social media. His major
achievement in a short span came with his initiative for ‘Mock Disaster
Management Exercise’, which was proved during the recent Cyclone ‘Lehar’.
Even the Anti Corruption
Unit in deep slumber suddenly woke up, realizing they were sailing in a
different boat altogether. Connecting with the ideology of the Lt. Governor AK
Singh, the Superintendent of Police ACU, Mrs. Aslam Khan IPS came heavy on the
corrupt. She sent shivers down the spine of corrupt and disseminated the clear
message of Lt. Governor. To add, for the first time, the CID under her
leadership cracked the impossible, interstate crime ‘ATM Fraud’, the victims
being from across the country including the islanders. It was something which
was never imagined and even the police in the mainland India wondered.
When thing were gaining
momentum, with halted projects being reviewed and revived by the Lt. Governor;
it came as a major blow for the hope with the announcement of transfer of Mrs.
Aslam Khan from ACU. It shocked the Islanders, especially the youth and sent negative
vibes. Blushing faces turned pale, hopes for a bright future dimmed and the
question ‘why?’ loomed large.
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