Karnataka CM warns against threatened mass leave by policemen
Bengaluru, May 31, 2016, (PTI): As lower rung police personnel plan to go on a mass leave on June 4 in protest against alleged harassment and lesser pay, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today warned against any act of “indiscipline” by the force.
Siddaramaiah chaired a meeting of Home Department and police officials and asked the force not to get instigated, saying there should not be any room for indiscipline.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, he said, “A non-recognised organisation has called for protest by police on June 4 by going on one day mass leave. Police department is a disciplined organisation. It is a department that has the responsibility of protecting public life and property, so there should not be any room for indiscipline.”
“If there is any act of indiscipline, government will take it seriously and will take strict action against them,” he said.
An organisation called Akhila Karnataka Police Maha Sangha is spearheading the stir led by V Shashidhar, who is its founder-President and a suspended police personnel.
Asking police personnel to discuss their demand with the government, Siddaramaiah said, “The government will be open minded on this. If the demands are just we are ready to fulfil them. All issues can be solved through discussion.”
Requesting police not to participate in the protest, he said, “If you participate, it will be indiscipline. We have complete faith in our police force. There has never been indiscipline. Even now they will not indulge in any indiscipline by going on mass leave.”
Siddaramaiah also expressed confidence that keeping public safety and protection of law and order in mind, the force would stay away from any such protest.
“There is no scope for mass leave, every one should understand that,” he said, adding, the government will take action against those instigating the police.
He also requested opposition BJP and other political parties not to take up the issue for political advantage.
In a letter to Home Minister G Parameshwara on May 13, Shashidhar had highlighted the issues faced by police, particularly constables, and their intention to go on mass leave. The letter pointed out irregular working hours coupled with no proper leave and pay anomaly, among others.
Complaining about interference by politicians and influential persons, it also demanded separate pay commission for police.
To a question about protest by state government employees on June 2, the Chief Minister said, “We will talk to the employees union.”
The state employees are demanding pay parity with central government employees.
Siddu is worried now…. Our cops do everything to protect law & order and to protect the public and property. But what do they get in turn from the govt ? Are their services not recognised ? Do they need to beg for a better life and hike in pay ?? These politicians only want to fill their pockets. Now that the entire police force going on mass leave will shake down the whole state, which shall surely be a big issue. Siddu is well aware that he shall not be able to handle this problem and hence is using… Read more »