Eid rush for home
With Eid-ul-Fitr fast approaching, we are witnessing a rush on the part of large masses of people for their homes in various parts of the country. In fact, the rush commenced days ago, with families streaming out to their villages by train, launches, buses and all other available means of transport. The usual sight of trains being packed to capacity and beyond on such occasions, with hundreds of people precariously riding on the roof, has been there again. A similar picture is to be seen with buses and river vessels. The idea of going home is one that has generally outweighed thoughts of safety.
In such circumstances, matters of security must be uppermost in the minds of the authorities and also of the passengers themselves. One aspect of security has to do with precautions against accidents that mark a high incidence during large scale commutation. The possibilities can be minimised through effective vigil by the authorities, cooperation of transport owners and operators and awareness among passengers of the risk factors.
It is equally important that overall law and order issues be kept in view. Every festive occasion is also an opportunity for criminals to take advantage of. It is thus necessary that highway police patrols, of whom we have lately heard little, be in a state of preparedness. Criminals always lurk around the corner. Besides, there are those who in illegal manner go about collecting tolls from drivers in the absence of highway security. Such possibilities warrant a state of alert on the part of the authorities. Round the clock security is also necessary in the cities as a way of ensuring that criminals do not break into homes whose occupants may have gone to their villages.
A thorough state of security is called for. In towns and cities, as people go into last minute shopping, the safety of their person and purse must be a matter of concern. Additionally, all security personnel must be fully prepared to handle any emergency that may arise.
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