Vertical Interaction Programme on
"Policing and Minorities"

4-9 September 2006

A vertical interaction programme on "Policing and Minorities" was organized by the Centre, sponsored by the Bureau of Police Reasarch and Training, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, from 4 to 9 September2006. The programme was inaugurated by Mr. Hamid Ansari, former Ambassador and currently Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, and the key note address was delivered by Justice J S Verma, former Chief Justice of India, and former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission.

Introducing the theme, Prof Akhtar Majeed, Director, Centre for Federal Studies, observed that Policemen are the most visible form of state---- on the roads and localities. As representative of government with coercive power, they need to build public confidence in them. A nation as such cannot develop and progress unless all sections and groups particularly those who are disadvantaged do not feel alienated and discriminated. So far as minorities are concerned it is imperative that misperceptions, misgivings and stereotypes about each other are removed.

Minorities need a heeling touch from the police and this cannot be possible unless there exits cordial social relationships between the two, observed Mr. Hamid Ansari. Much of the problems persist because of the lack of mutual confidence and structural gap in the perception of each other. There is no universal parameter of confidence building. It has to be situation specific measures and responses from the police. Minorities are the objective reality of India. They need to be treated in accordance with framework of human rights, constitutional propriety in this regard and impartial observance of the rule of law. Police -minorities relationships should get over the 'we' - 'they' dichotomy. Policing is a team effort of the police personnel and local population. He also stressed the need for drawing lessons from the various committees and commissions' reports on the communal riots. Many of their critical recommendations on policing and minorities disposition should constitute essential curriculum of the police training. This will help them in better preparedness in dealing with communal riots and violence.

Justice J S Verma emphasized the need for basic training of the police in the constitutional philosophy of India. They should subscribe and uphold the constitutional fundamentals like dignity of the individual, unity and integrity, principles of inclusive democracy, social justice, equality and fraternity. Any deviation from these principles amounts to causing injury to minority groups. Minority does require affirmative action and special care so far as the policing are concerned. Upholding rule of law and building amicable social relationships are some of the important measures that may win over the confidence of the minorities in the police. This was also reiterated by Ms. Kiran Bedi, Director General , Bureau of Police Research and Training, during her valedictory address. Drawing inspiration from herself, she drew upon the need for withholding political pressures and upholding rule of law. Command and demand of the policing require sensitization towards nation and its minorities.