Shaken by protests over two days by family members of Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP) personnel, the top brass has decided to do away with the newly-announced ‘A’ and ‘B’ system of dividing the force strength into two and deploying them and have agreed to compulsorily grant them three days of leave every month.
Old system back
Director-General of Police V. Dinesh Reddy spent over two hours interacting with family members who vented their grievances and demanded that the old system of posting constables closer to headquarters be adopted, apart from granting leaves. He assured them that their welfare was of prime concern for the police leadership and that all their concerns would be addressed.
Mr. Reddy wanted officers to conduct monthly ‘Family Sabhas’. He also ordered an enquiry by Additional DGP Gautam Sawang into policy decisions taken in the recent past and submit a report.
He cautioned that it was not proper for family members of those in a disciplined force to resort to dharnas and other forms of protest.
Mr. Sawang later told the media that it had already been decided a fortnight ago that the ‘A’ and ‘B’ system was not working and it had been resolved to revert to an improved version of the old system of deployment from August first week.
“However, even before we could implement the move, the unrest started. While we sympathise with them, we are facing challenges too. There is an acute shortage of manpower and together with an increased demand for APSP personnel, it has led to a cascading effect,” he stated.
The pressure on APSP was primarily because of withdrawal of paramilitary forces and a greater need for ‘bandobust’ within the State.
On deployment of personnel within 200 km of the battalion’s headquarters, he said that a rotation system to ensure that adequate rest was ensured would be worked out.
In response to a question, he said they had information about certain elements orchestrating protests and instigating the personnel and their families to stage protests.
While refusing to elaborate, he warned that such elements should not ‘go beyond the line’.
