All the Colonial States where Britishers ruled, the main job of bureaucracy was to protect the British Crown and NOT to protect its subject. They were working for their White Masters. All the rules and regulations were framed in such a way that ultimately benefited the British i.e. Rulers. Their main aim was to prolong the British rule, strengthen their hands and suppress the legitimate demands of the ruled.
Now, in the post-colonial period, selfish and corrupt politicians and bureaucrats find these colonial rules extremely favourable and serving their self-interests. It is quite possible that there may be honourable exceptions among them but they are very few.
In India, all the rules are to be reframed for the people. The present rulers are making the poor poorer and the rich richer.
But, change is not going to come in the near future. These bureaucrats will not leave their absolute powers which they have got just after being cosy with the ruling dispensation. Only the colour of rulers’ skin has changed from White Colour Rulers to Black Colour Rulers. No visible changes.
So, we, the People of India, have to suffer till then.
Farooq AbdulgafarBawani
Rajkot, Gujarat, India
A Defining Moment for Karnataka Policing
The Karnataka government’s appointment of Dr. M.A. Saleem as Director General and Inspector General of Police is a milestone in the state’s policing journey. Widely respected as ‘One-Way Saleem’ for his pioneering traffic reforms in Bengaluru, he combines professionalism, integrity and innovation-qualities which are rare. His leadership style is practical and citizen-focused. By transforming traffic systems, modernising urban policing and prioritising efficiency over ceremony, he has consistently shown how a results-driven approach benefits both the police force and the public.
An IPS Officer of 1993-batch, he has completed over two dozen assignments across the state. Known nationally for his pioneering work in traffic management, Saleem holds a doctorate in the subject and is the author of “Traffic Management in Metropolitan Cities.”
On his joining politics after retirement, he candidly replied, “There is no way I would get into politics. I am an academician and my interests lie in this.”
- Jameel Ahmed
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Political Turmoil in Nepal
The restriction imposed by Nepalese government headed by Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on a sweeping ban on social media platforms sparked widespread “Gen Z Protests” across the country. The people expressed their wrath and anger by setting fire even to the parliament house, courts, politicians’ residences over this draconian order which stifle the voice of common masses.
The Nepali youths, like their Bangladeshi counterparts last year, by mustering all courage, expressed their mounting frustration over the government corruption, nepotism, economic stagnation, unemployment, and suppression of freedom. This resulted in many deaths and injuries.
Amid the turmoil, Prime minister K P Sharma Oli, along with many ministers, tendered their resignation and left the country for safety and security. Sensing the severity of unrest and turmoil, the ban on social media has been lifted.
Restoration of peace and law and order in the kingdom is the only cry of all the people who wish to have a new corruption-free government.
Dr Shujaat Ali Khan
Gaya, Bihar
Qatar Bombing
The Arabs of the Middle East have demonstrated how weak they are. Israel bombed Doha trying to kill Hamas leaders. Doha is the capital of a sovereign state. Fifteen fighter jets were involved; the British provided the planes for fuelling midway. Was all this done without the agreement of the USA? Trump seems to deny this.
Unfortunately, Muslim leaders, both political and religious, are quiet. They should condemn the total timid behaviour of Arab states. Only recently the UAE, Qatar and the KSA promised to give a total of 3.5 trillion dollars to the Americans and this is the result!
Those who are weak will perish; only the strong will survive.
Jameel Ali
Via Email