The rising crime in the State is a matter of concern. These crime levels will only proliferate unless the nexus between politicians and criminals is uprooted. It is common to see politicians moving around with shady characters having a criminal record. All this must stop so that the criminals are exposed and not given credibility and acceptance in public life or a false sense of security for the public. It is ironic that those with a gory criminal history are allowed to contest elections and go on to becoming MLAs and even Ministers. The one law that is urgently required to be in place is the one that bars a person with a criminal record or outstanding criminal cases, contesting any election to a public office. This will clear the cess pit and sanitise our now soiled political turf. Without zero tolerance to corruption at all levels and a single minded determination to root out, arrest and convict criminals without any fear or favour the crime rate will continue to escalate to the detriment of the public.
