Police Brutality And The Story of the Girl in the Wheelchair

In the past few days, our country has encountered a bizarre situation. The arrest of Imran Khan outside the court resulted in widespread chaos in the country, with people taking to the streets to protest against the perceived lack of law and order. While there was ample evidence suggesting that the arrest was unjust, there were also instances where the protests escalated into violence, resulting in the loss of approximately 40 lives. It is a tragic situation for the country, and I condemn all forms of violence.

However, there was one particular incident that struck a personal chord with me. I was deeply affected when I saw the video footage of Punjab Police dragging a girl in a wheelchair out of her wheelchair and forcibly taking her to a police van. This act of brutality was unacceptable, and it highlighted the need for greater sensitivity towards marginalized communities, such as those with disabilities.

I find it utterly incomprehensible that a person with a disability, who bravely stepped out in her wheelchair to express her opposition to something is perceived as wrong, could be viewed as a threat to the overall law and order of the city. The use of excessive force during her arrest was deeply troubling, and it is particularly disheartening given that women throughout the country have come forward to make their voices heard.

As a woman with a disability myself, I had hoped to join in the protests, but I was unable to do so. I have nothing but admiration for the young woman who had the courage to stand up for what she believed in, despite the risks and challenges. It is profoundly saddening to learn that she was violently taken from her wheelchair and forcibly transported to a police vehicle. The use of excessive force against peaceful protesters, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized, is entirely unacceptable.

Now, I question the authorities: was it worth it? What is the justification for dragging someone out of their wheelchair and arresting them for voicing their opinion? This has been done with men, women, children, and other protesters, but I want to focus on a community that is already marginalized and has fewer opportunities to express themselves. It is crucial to highlight the extent of brutality and inhumanity that the Punjab Police displayed during these protests. It is about having a voice and creating an environment where individuals can express their opinions without fearing that they will be pulled out of their wheelchairs and humiliated on the streets.

I have no words to condemn the behavior of the Punjab Police in this scenario, and I feel that it is crucial to discuss it openly. If people with disabilities are being dragged on the roads instead of the corrupt mafia, there is no hope for tomorrow. Who will come out of their homes if something goes wrong? No one will dare to speak up. It is vital to allow people to express their opinions without fear of being harassed or humiliated.

While I understand that there were some incidents of violence during the protests, the videos circulating on social media of women, children, and people with disabilities being beaten are completely unjustifiable. It is unacceptable to treat civilians as if they were animals. Even if the protesters were not complying with the law, the authorities are not allowed to use force beyond what is necessary to maintain public order. People should be allowed to protest peacefully without being touched or dragged from their wheelchairs.

The incident with the girl in the wheelchair being dragged by the Punjab Police raises important questions about the government's adherence to humanitarian laws and the freedom of speech in the country. It is a reminder that circumstances can be good or bad, but everyone should have the right to voice their opinions peacefully without fear of being mistreated by law enforcement. The Punjab Police should be held accountable for their actions, and incidents like these serve as a sobering reminder that it could happen to anyone. The girl in the wheelchair could have been me, and that scares me!