Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that the police force should become compatible with democratic society.
Speaking at the passing-out parade at the Kerala Armed Police Battalion (KAP) IV at Mangattuparamba here on Saturday, the Chief Minister said the country’s police system that came into existence during the colonial rule treated people as enemies. “Though efforts were made to make the police force people-friendly, it is not yet totally free from old habits. The government is taking steps to reform the force and make it responsive to people,” he added.
Mr. Vijayan said the Janamaithri police system was being implemented as part of efforts to make the force people-friendly. He added that the police had been instructed to offer protection to senior citizens who live alone.
“There have been cases of people joining terrorist groups in the country and abroad. Recruitment of people for criminal activities should be viewed seriously by the police,” he said. He also told them to take stringent action in cases of attacks against women and children. He also cautioned against attempts by some forces to create divisions and tension in society.
Best trainees
Mr. Vijayan reviewed the parade by 183 police trainees who had passed out. He also presented prizes to trainees who had excelled in various fields during the training period. The winners are KAP’s Ashraf (best shooter), Jithin A.R. (best indoor), and Sharath Kumar (best outdoor, all-rounder), and Malabar Special Police’s Amal Krishna V.K. (best shooter), Anoop S.V. (best indoor), Jaisal (best outdoor), and Shyamdas K. (all rounder).
Ports Minister Kadannappally Ramachandran, K.K. Ragesh, MP; MLAs James Mathew and T.V. Rajesh; State Police Chief Loknath Behera, Additional Director General of Police Sudhesh Kumar, Deputy Inspector General (Armed Police) Shefin Ahmed, KAP IV Battalion Commandant K. Sanjay Kumar Gurudin, and District Panchayat President K.V. Sumesh were present.
