Four years of RAB

AGAINST the background of rising crime and proliferation of criminal networks across the country, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) came into being four years ago to turn the tide on lawlessness. The battalion within no time busted a number of networks of anti-social elements that have been engaged in smuggling, women and child trafficking and organising various other nefarious activities. We believe their biggest success came when they netted the ring-leaders of some terrorist groups and handed them over to the police. RAB's success in penetrating the dens of the dangerously armed and motivated obscurantist elements got words of praise from all quarters. Such focused and unrelenting operations by RAB did counterbalance the modus operandi of criminals and helped in creating a favourable law and order ambience in society to a large extent.
However, it needs to be mentioned that notwithstanding the good work, RAB came under severe criticism from this paper and others at home and abroad for overlooking certain human rights issues, especially the issue of extra judicial killing of criminals under its custody. The much-flaunted incidence of "crossfire" largely overshadowed the success of RAB, causing voices of resentment to be raised by various human rights organisations and activists, nationally and internationally. However, it is good news that recent records show a fall in the incidence of crossfire.
The efficacy of special forces like RAB, to deal with extraordinary conditions of law and order, cannot be in doubt. But because such forces are given ample power makes them all the more obliged to be using those powers with extreme caution. Here the message is simple and clear: special forces will have to abide by the rule of law, and strictly so.
We believe RAB authorities will have to take extra care from here on to keep adding positive features to its reputation as an effective crime-fighting battalion. The imperative of following the legal process and procedure of the country must be instilled in the minds of the members of this special force. It is only then that RAB will be in a position to play a socially affirmative role.
Strengthening RAB is only part of the test. It is equally important that the police force is modernised, re-equipped and reformed to shoulder greater responsibilities in the law and order arena by way of minimising dependence on elite forces that are meant to handle special circumstances.