The city police on Thursday opened a self-defence training centre exclusively for girls with the support of a six-member group of master trainers from the department. District Police Chief (Kozhikode City) S. Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar inaugurated the centre which was recently set up on the compound of his office.
Mr. Kumar said the new centre would offer its service to maximum number of girls from Kozhikode district. “It will definitely help meet our goals in ensuring women’s security and empowerment,” he said.
The city police, under the community policing scheme, launched the formal self-defence training programme for women and girls in 2016. However, there was the lack of a convenient training location for regular coaching. Circle Inspector Shanty Cyriac, who coordinates the centre, said it was well-equipped with all facilities. “We have the support of 50 women police personnel who have already been trained in various self-defence techniques, and they will be handling sessions and demonstrations along with the master trainers,” she added. Ms. Cyriac said the centre would conduct two-day basic programme so as to cover maximum number of learners from the district. It would bolster their self-confidence level and equip them better to fight unexpected physical attacks, molestation bid and chain-snatching attempts, she pointed out.