The recent Hyderabad riots were special in the sense of having the potential to burst into a huge conflagration and yet after a week , have simmered down to manageable proportions with no follow up displays of outrage by any community. After the initial 2 deaths in riot related incidents, Hyderabad has kept remarkably quiet and the administration has emerged unscathed through the episode without any major accusations of bias. I have compiled a few actions taken by the Police Commissioner, Hyderabad which I believe point an effective way to combat riots in urban centers and which model a close to ideal handling of the situation anywhere else. I haven't anything new to suggest except perhaps the suggestion that relaxing the curfew for longer durations but selectively for women only would alleviate the inconvenience caused to the populace without causing too much of a strain on the security apparatus and exacerbating the potentially explosive situation
The district administration of Hyderabad took the following steps in the aftermath of the riots
1.curfew in affected areas2.outlawing gatherings of more than 5 people
3.removal of public displays of religious symbols, flags etc
4.removal of loudspeakers from religious institutions
5.massive display of force, constant patrolling in affected areas, march-pasts and show of strength esp. near places of worship(armed pickets)
6.preventive arrests of mobs inciting riots/inflaming passions
7.heightened patrolling during curfew relaxation
Standing by::
- riot control vans with water guns, guns with rubber pellets to disrupt mass meetings
- social involvement through media releases by public figures calling for peace
- national leaders movement in the city kept to a minimum
- to decrease inconvenience to public, esp. with regards to essentials, it could be stipulated that women only be allowed outside during curfew relaxation(selective curfew)
- daily workers and roadside vendors: hit the hardest by curfews. Again, allowing females of the family out would alleviate the situation partially
Hyderabad's multi-religious and inclusive culture played important role in controlling the riots. Just after 3 days after the outbreak, there were huge processions which includes members from both communities, on the streets urging the people to maintain peace and harmony.
ReplyDeleteOne more important step taken by the administration is the issuing of curfew passes to some people, especially students, employees etc.