Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jun 1: The state government, shaken by the assertion of the policemen over their decision to go on mass leave on June 4, has invoked provisions of Essential Services Maintenance Act against them. This order was issued by the under secretary in the department of internal administration in consonance with an order issued by the governor on Tuesday night. Under the act, all kinds of police services and employees of police department have been considered as most essential services and the order came into force with immediate effect.

After the chief minister, Siddaramaiah, and director general of police issued statement warning policemen supporting the strike plan of stern action, a number of policemen had begun to withdraw their leave applications. Till then, the police personnel had stepped up pressure by tendering mass leave applications, after which the government woke up and held meeting of top officials on Tuesday to discuss the situation arising out of this development.

Many of the police personnel feel that theirs is a thankless job as they have no liberty to act in case of rioting or commotion as there are bound to be repercussions and reactions. In a large number of cases, constables play important roles in investigating cases but credit goes to higher officials. With the enforcement of ESMA the threat of strike appears have to have been blown away at least for the present. In the meanwhile, the state government employees have called for strike on June 2 in pursuance of their demands.

The chief minister on Tuesday blamed BJP leaders of issuing provocative statements to incite policemen for reaping political benefit. He said police department is known for discipline and indiscipline will be crushed with iron hand. At the same time, he invited police personnel to take up justified demands if any with the top officials of the department or government, duly promising to meet genuine demands.