We do not for a moment forget the intrinsic value of
the democratic set up, when we point out some of the
achievements registered by those, who have established
undemocratic regimes. They seem to be urged on by a
growing desire to declare by deeds, the effectiveness
of their regime, by exhibiting an energy, will-power
and drive – all aimed at the removal of those atrocities
and injustices perpetrated by anti-social elements.
While those who pin their faith in democracy are eager
and vigorous in presenting salubrious acts for putting
down the activities of unsocial elements and yet allow
the evil to persist, believing perhaps, that the very
enactment would annihilate such evils, those who dare
not claim to have gathered around themselves popular
support through the ballot, begin eradicating evils
and annihilating atrocities, with such quickness and
effectiveness, that the people find themselves drawn
towards them, in spite of the fact that they happen
to be dictators. For, having waited for a long time,
with confidence, the people found to their dismay that
their chosen leaders who were lavish in their promises
became half-hearted, fumbling, dabbling, postponing
and evading issues – and when someone who did not ascend
the place of power, cajoling the people or catering
sweet promises to the people, pounce upon offenders,
hunt down black-marketers and smugglers, well naturally
the people get elated. Those in whom the people have
placed implicit faith and confidence have failed to
deliver the goods. Succour comes from the most unexpected
quarter. Hence the people are bound to be wonder-struck
and thankful. They may not like the system – in fact
most of them do not – but how could they minimize the
importance of the benefits that are conferred on them.
From Karachi is published the sensational news, that
the Special Military Court sentenced Haji Wali Mahomed
Bhatti, a notorious smuggler – it seems he was known
as the King of Smugglers – to five years’ imprisonment
and a fine of Rs.2 lakhs was imposed. The government
confiscated gold worth a crore of rupees from this smuggler,
which was hidden in the sea – bed and which the Pakistan
Navy salvaged.
The very news ought to have sent thrills of joy. People
would have been naturally drawn towards the regime.
Here is a man with a strong will and purpose. He is
quick, effective and relentless, when dealing with such
anti-social elements as smugglers.
Cabinets have come and gone, hopes were raised afresh
and shattered, but the smugglers were having their sway.
Ayub took the reins of the government, and these smugglers
who were eluding the democrats, are booked and imprisoned.
“Democrats,” some would come forward to argue, “could
not take such swift and strong action, for, they are
cribbed, cabined and confined by so many restrictions,
rules and regulations and they are answerable to the
House, to their party caucus and to the public. Hence
they could only take cautious steps. Not so a dictator.
He could afford to throw all such restrictions overboard
and launch an offensive. That’s how they get quick results”.
But they who put forward such an argument forget, that
when those democratic governments are faced with agitations,
strikes, demonstrations and the like, in which commoners
are involved, hesitate not to take swift, and at times
savage measures, to maintain law and order! Perhaps,
the democrats here as well as in Pakistan have indulged
in more shootings and baton-charging than the much maligned
foreigner.
Well, when these democrats are able to muster courage,
brave dangers, and marshall forth their might, in putting
down agitations sponsored by the people, why is it that
when they are asked to take effective and quick action
against vested interests and anti-social elements, they
tremble and falter? When orders are issued for opening
fire, they seem to be vigorous. When in the House, there
arises opposition, the democratic ministers rise up
to defend police action, in sure and certain tone. They
do not, on such occasions, stop to ponder about the
possible criticisms that could be raised. They ‘shoot
to kill’! But when they are asked to take cudgels against
smugglers and such anti-social elements, they begin
debating! They are not vigorous enough and valiant enough
when they are asked to take stern measures against the
vested interests.
Shielding vested interest, is not a virtue and certainly
that is not to be cited as one of the ingredients for
democracy.
If democracy becomes ineffective in defending the people
against the onslaught of anti-social elements, how could
it hope to retain its hold over their hearts?
The ‘Dictators’ – most of them – have got the knack
of keen perception, bold conception and quick delivery
whereas ‘abortive attempts’ only are presented by the
democrats.
It might be that under the dictator, people could not
enjoy freedom of thought and expression. They are not
called upon to ‘elect’ their rulers. But even it is
a question of clearing the mess, putting down atrocities
and injustices, vanquishing the machinations of vested
interests, the dictators score brilliant victories and
no amount of debates about doctrines on democracy could
act as a break, to the enthusiastic support that the
people rise up to lend to the regime.
It is exactly because of this that dictators are suffered
to remain at the helm of affairs.
We against hasten to declare that we have not lost faith
in democracy as such – we but point out that democracy
should draw ample lessons from such events. Indecision
can never strengthen the hands of democracy. And democrats
should note, that there they – the dictators – score.
Democrats should become more vigorous, less vacillating
and when fighting vested interest, they should not be
chicken hearted.
(Sub-Editorial - 12-04-1959)