(EDITORIAL) …It is reported that the Govern­ment proposes to introduce at the next session of the Provincial Assembly the U.P. Maintenance of Public Order Bill. …[T]his a drastic measure the enactment of which will bring about virtual police raj in the province. Detention, imposition of collective fines, control of meetings and processions, pre-censorship and control of publications and of essential public services, etc. are provided for in the proposed legislation. The most objectionable part of the legislation is what relates to the police. It is stated that “any police officer may arrest without a warrant any person who is reasonably suspected of having committed an offence” under the Act.

… The Frontier Governor has promulgated the Public Safety Ordinance 1947 whose provisions have come into force in Hazara district. …The ordinance provides for punishment up to three years’ imprisonment or fines on “any person who makes a speech, statement or report which is likely to create fear or alarm in any section of the people, or defame the Government… .” …[T]here is no longer the mask of truth and non-violence and the people can have a true appreciation of the kind of life they will be leading under Congress Raj.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2022