Political thinkers have always been at pains to devise a form of government that could best achieve the object for which the state exists. Monarchy, aristocracy, dictatorship, democracy, socialism, communism are all labels for different kinds of states, each having its merits and demerits, advocates and critics.  In theory, democracy is the best form of government as it makes all the citizens feel interested in their country (by giving them a voice in legislation), a feeling of importance and a sense of responsibility. An important merit of democracy is that it is less liable to revolution than the other forms of government. Since it is people themselves who elect the members of the government, the need for revolution does not arise. In addition a democratic government usually guarantees the freedom of thought, action and speech. This threefold freedom is a great advantage as it enables an individual to grow freely. Democracy thus offers the most favourable atmosphere for the overall development of the society in general. Sounds cool but least pragmatic!

Now the other D-form of government (which is rather a dreaded word), Dictatorship is also not without its merits. As Carlyle points out, society is an organism and not a machine. No mechanical system like the ballot box can therefore prove satisfactory. The safer course is to give all power to a dictator. The dictator must of course be one who has an exceptional ability to organize, direct and administer. Parliamentary rule usually means government by cliques of politicians whose purview is limited by their private interests. A dictator on the other hand, can concentrate all his energies on the uplift and improvement of his country (“building roads, providing employment, electricity, developing amusement parks, organizing a strong military base /armed forces, the list is unending..”). This is borne out by the phenomenal success achieved by Hitler and Mussolini in their respective countries. “My programme,” said Mussolini “is action not talk.” (This statement sounds quite familiar with our respected politicians, Isn’t it?) Japan too made immense progress economically and industrially under dictatorial regime. As men cannot think for themselves, a strong individual is needed to lead them. And a dictator, in order to rise to power must have a strong backing. That being so, he often expresses the national spirit, patriotism etc.
But unfortunately the methods of dictatorship are, and have to be, ruthless. Dictatorship employs force and violence to maintain itself. It resorts to physical compulsions, prisons, concentration camps, censorship, intimidations, purges and executions. Both in Russia and Germany before World War II, countless executions were ordered for the stability of dictatorship because ‘dictatorship cannot brook slightest opposition.’ Thus there can be no freedom of thought or speech under such a system. By its very nature, it hampers the free development of society, does not allow a diversity of political opinion and belief but tends towards a political regimentation of human beings.

A sound analysis of these two “D-forms of government” hints that Kashmir is not being governed by democracy. The authorities will have to reconsider their decisions and policies aimed at hurting the sentiments of people and thus adding fuel to the fire. May Allah come to our rescue!

Lastupdate on : Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Mecca time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 IST