Law and order still a major concern

It is concerning that the country’s law and order situation has not improved as much as expected in the first six months of the new government’s tenure. An analysis of police data shows that 21,756 cases under seven major crime categories were filed between February and July, compared with 21,228 in the preceding six months—a rise of nearly 2.5 percent. The seven categories include murder, violence against women and children, attacks on police, robbery and dacoity, mugging, abduction, and theft. While cases in the latter four categories declined, those of murder, violence against women and children, and attacks on police increased. These numbers, however, do not provide the full picture, as many victims do not go to police stations, while some complaints are reportedly recorded as general diaries or written complaints rather than cases. There are also concerns that some police stations discourage the filing of cases in an effort to present a better picture of law and order to their superiors. Such practices distort official crime statistics and embolden the criminals.

In recent times, killings and shootings in busy streets, markets and businesses, extortion at gunpoint, abductions followed by murder, and attacks on police officers have created fear among the citizens. The presence of illegal firearms is an additional concern, particularly as some weapons and ammunition looted from police stations in August 2024 remain unrecovered. Investigations into some recent crimes have also found evidence of modern firearms in the hands of criminals. Moreover, some old and listed criminals released on bail during the interim government have reportedly become involved in extortion, land grabbing, establishing dominance and killings. Police officers are also facing attacks and obstruction while trying to arrest suspects. All this is deeply worrying.

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Clearly, the police have still not fully recovered from the trauma of the July uprising, subsequent attacks on police personnel and facilities, and political pressure. Frequent transfers and uncertainty over their career progress also prevent them from performing their duties confidently. Police officers reportedly remain hesitant even when lawful use of force is necessary, waiting for instructions from senior officials. Such practices must change once and for all.

Six months is enough time to expect something more than assurances from the government. It must therefore ensure that police officers receive clear institutional instruction and support to perform their duties lawfully and professionally, while those responsible for abuse, corruption, or use of excessive force must be held accountable. Every crime must be properly recorded and investigated without exception. Restoring law and order and public confidence in the police should be an urgent priority for the government.