Loss of lives in accidents during Holi: Letters to The EDITOR

Loss of lives in accidents during Holi

The saying goes – those who are boozers, there are hundreds of excuses for them for drinking (Pine walo ko pine ka bahana chahiye). When such drunkards are in a Holi mood, who can prevent them from drinking? This is exactly what has happened in this Holi celebrations. It is reported in a section of the print media that as many as 19 Holi revelers died in road accidents. The manpower crisis in the State police department also is a factor. We don't know as to how many police stations are equipped with paraphernalia like breath analysers, line telephone or how many people have with them the police control room's telephone number. The declaration of 'dry-day' has no impact on Holi revelers. The loss of 19 lives during the two-day (48 hours) celebrations of Holi laid bare the fact about the police. Of course, they (the Police) also have a limitation. A serious point to note is: it is the sheer failure on the part of the Home Department of Assam, a portfolio held by the Chief Minister who is often heard of harping on the string of development and change, that the police stations are not equipped with the necessary paraphernalia. Why is there an acute shortage of manpower? Our nearest Amolapatty police station is like a pigeon's nest. Some personnel posted there have to roam about for want of accommodation. If the State government is really sincere to arrest the increasing number of accidents, it should hit the nail on the head by equipping all the police stations from all sides. It should issue a directive to take stern action on those driving under the influence of liquor.

Ashok Bordoloi,

Dibrugarh.