Positive Vigilantism- Why India Needs More Vigilante Groups?

Positive Vigilantism- Why India Needs More Vigilante Groups?

In recent years, there has been increased worry over police officials’ incapacity to properly maintain internal peace and security, leaving individuals vulnerable to a variety of crimes and acts of violence. From rape and religious intolerance to communal violence, mob lynching, and killings, serious events are on the rise, casting a bleak picture of the country’s law enforcement.

The scenario in Manipur, where violence remains unrestrained despite the so-called best efforts of the police force, is a recent example of the magnitude of the problem. This incident has highlighted more flaws in our security structure and sparked a discussion about alternate approaches to safeguard citizens’ safety.

Rape, assault, as well as religious intolerance claims are on the rise, which is a reflection of a broken system that is striving to keep up with the changing demands of the modern world. Citizens have every right to doubt the efficiency and responsiveness of law enforcement organizations since they appear overburdened and underprepared to handle the complexity of the current situation.

In these situations, vigilante organizations have been suggested as an alternative to close the gap between the police and the communities they serve. These groups would adhere to certain proper criteria. When properly supervised and appropriately managed, vigilante groups have the potential to support the work of law enforcement organizations and serve as a more immediate and locally focused response.

Vigilantes present themselves as protectors of the values that form the cornerstone of the state’s power, such as law and order, justice, and the use of force and violence in the service of morality, even in circumstances when they are not officially affiliated with the state.

Most of the time, vigilantes do not contest the legitimacy of such beliefs; rather, they contend that they are better suited to uphold them by enforcing the current political and moral framework. This may shed light on why certain forms of vigilantism are acceptable under the existing regimes while others are rejected or subject to restrictions. In some ways, vigilantism is a result of protection offered by private organizations that understand the need to protect themselves as well as their localities when the government is unable to.

Reasons for rise of vigilante groups

The loss of trust in the institutions of police and judiciary due to perceived extreme bias as well as selective targeting by officials can create a sense of frustration and dissatisfaction among the general public. When people feel that the institutions responsible for enforcing law and justice as well as maintaining peace and order are not impartial and fair, they may resort to vigilantism as a response. This lack of confidence is caused by a number of circumstances, some of which are as follows:

• Selective Targeting: The idea of equality before the law is threatened when people or communities believe that law enforcement officers unfairly single out particular groups based on their ethnicity, religion, or social standing. This impression may cause people to lose faith in the legal system and police.
• Corruption and Bribery: Public trust may be further damaged by incidents of corruption and bribery inside law enforcement organizations. People may lose faith in the system if they think that individuals in positions of power and wealth may influence or buy justice.
• Lack of Accountability: Feelings of injustice and a lack of accountability can result from perceived impunity for police wrongdoing or disproportionate use of force. The perception that the system favors its own at the expense of the rights of the public may arise in situations where police are not held accountable for their acts.
• Political Interference: Political influence or control over the judiciary might jeopardize the independence and integrity of the system. The fairness of judicial rulings may be questioned as a result of this view.
• Delayed Justice: Victims and witnesses may become frustrated by prolonged legal proceedings and delayed justice and turn to alternative channels of redress.
• Inadequate Legal Representation: People may feel insufficiently represented in court, particularly if they lack means or access to skilled legal counsel.
• Perceived Inefficiency: A perception of inefficiency present in the criminal justice system, for instance the slow settlement of cases or a lack of resources, can contribute to disillusionment.

When trust in the police and judiciary dwindles, some individuals and communities may turn to vigilantism as a response to perceived injustices. Vigilante actions are often motivated by a desire for immediate as well as direct action when people believe that official institutions are not providing the protection and justice they need.

Advantages of Vigilante groups

Vigilante groups may be more familiar with the neighbourhood. Police officers are frequently outsiders who are unfamiliar with local customs and cultures. Vigilante organizations, on the other hand, are made up of residents who know the area well. This knowledge can be extremely useful in solving crimes and preventing riots.

The community may be more trusting of vigilante groups. In several situations, the police have been accused of corruption and brutality. As a result, there is a lack of trust between the law enforcement agencies and the community. Vigilante organizations, on the other hand, are not perceived as corrupt or harsh. As a result, they are more likely to be accepted and trusted by the community.

Quick Response: Proponents contend that vigilante groups can react quickly to emergent problems and crises in local neighbourhoods when official responses from law enforcement or other governmental organizations may be delayed.

Community Ownership: People who take personal responsibility for the safety and well-being of their neighbourhoods and who have a strong feeling of community belonging frequently make up vigilante organizations. A greater sense of civic participation and communal empowerment may result from this sense of ownership.

Patching Up Law Enforcement Gaps: Some claim that vigilante organizations can fill the vacuum left by the lack of law enforcement in distant or neglected areas and prevent criminal activity.

Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Some vigilante organizations assert that their main goal is to defend women, children, and the elderly against crimes like abuse, harassment, as well as human trafficking.

Vigilante organizations may advocate for or raise awareness of particular social issues, injustices, or problems that require attention. They can bring attention to pressing issues by pushing for change and demanding action.

Environmental Protection: Vigilante organizations have occasionally formed to address environmental problems such unlawful deforestation, wildlife poaching, or pollution. They might decide to defend the environment on their own.

Assistance during Disasters: In times of natural disasters, vigilante organizations may play a role in providing immediate aid as well as support to affected communities.

Getting Rid of Corruption: Some vigilante organizations assert that they fight corruption by making politicians accountable for their actions and exposing misconduct.

How vigilante groups can manage a state having internal distress, for instance, Manipur?

The protection of communities that are more susceptible to violence during times of upheaval, such as women, children, as well as the elderly, could be the focus of vigilante groups. To safeguard the safety of persons who are in danger, they could create safe zones and provide escorting services. Vigilante organizations could keep an eye out for and record instances of abuse, violence, and human rights breaches done by any of the battling sides. They can aid in securing accountability and justice by gathering evidence and reporting instances to the appropriate authorities.

Facilitating Dialogue and Mediation: For instance, in the above-mentioned case, if vigilante organizations are trusted by both the Meitei and Kuki communities, they might serve as impartial mediators to promote communication between the feuding factions. Their participation could promote dialogue and open the door to amicable negotiations.

Humanitarian Aid: In situations of conflict, there is often a dearth of accessibility for essential humanitarian aid. Vigilante groups could help with the proper distribution of food, medical supplies, as well as other necessities to communities who have been affected by the violence, regardless of their ethnic background.

Promotion of Tolerance and Understanding: To foster tolerance, comprehension, and empathy between various ethnic groups, vigilante organizations could take part in community outreach initiatives. They could aid in bridging the barriers between communities by encouraging a sense of harmony and shared humanity.

Spreading Knowledge and Awareness: For instance, the catastrophic situation in Manipur could be brought to the public’s attention by vigilante organizations using their platform and power. They could advocate for peaceful solutions by raising awareness of the situation of the people through social media, public gatherings, or awareness campaigns.

Vigilante groups need to work with the police

In conclusion, while the concept of vigilante groups can be contentious and dangerous with potential risks, there are various instances where they have shown positive impacts when they work in collaboration with law enforcement agencies. South Africa and Uganda serve as great examples of countries that have successfully harnessed the potential of legal vigilante groups to privatize security as well as address localized security needs.

In both of these countries, some legal vigilante groups have been established and regulated in order to supplement the efforts of the law enforcement agencies and improve security measures. These groups work within the bounds of the law of the nation and adhere to strict guidelines, ensuring that they do not become a law themselves.

These countries have been able to customize their strategy to the unique issues they encounter by integrating vigilante groups in security management. Localized expertise and understanding of the community enable these groups to respond quickly and effectively to specific situations or dangers that traditional law enforcement authorities may struggle to address in a timely manner.

When vigilante organizations are properly integrated into a nation’s security structure, they can play a critical role in regulating internal unrest inside a state. Their quick response capabilities and detailed knowledge of local dynamics can aid in the prevention of potential escalation of violence and build a sense of security among locals.

Furthermore, by supplementing law enforcement efforts, vigilante organizations free up police resources to focus on other essential areas of crime prevention and investigation, contributing to an overall improvement in the security landscape of the country.

Vigilante groups should take the following actions to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship with the police:

• Immediate reporting of suspicious activities and active crimes.
• In terms of law enforcement, strengthen ties between the police and the people.
• Participate in joint patrols with the police to aid in crime prevention efforts.
• Assist in maintaining neighbourhood order.
• Provide essential information to the police so that they can better understand how to monitor the neighbourhood.
• Assist the police with any other lawful actions required to maintain law and order.

The informal sector is more accessible to the public, enjoys greater popularity, influence, and local knowledge than formal law enforcement agencies, and all of their actions are ultimately client- or public-centered. This explains why non-state actors are more effective than formal law enforcement agencies.

All of these elements contribute to the public’s perception of them as reliable and better able to protect their rights. Never consider vigilante groups to be a country’s equivalent of the government or its police force. Instead, they should be used as non-state actors who strengthen the security system in the nation in addition to the official authorities, making it a more secure and safe place to live.