New Safety Equipment Is Also Being Procured To Protect Policemen Operating In Naxal-Hit Areas
Under the DGP, Maharashtra Police is working on a two pronged strategy of improving intelligence gathering about terror groups and better connect with citizens.
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is also being equipped with modern gadgets and a strategy is being firmed up to effectively counter propaganda from outfits like ISIS, said Satish Mathur, DGP. Police personnel will visit every household in their jurisdiction to connect with people to get real time intelligence inputs from the society about anti-social and terror activities. This will not only improve the image of police but also strengthen intelligence gathering network. They will also inquire from citizens about their grievances and leave his/her phone number with them. These baby steps will have a huge positive impact on society The ATS will also be equipped with modern gadgets to counter any emergency situation. The DGP also said a strategy is being readied to counter propaganda of ISIS and will be implemented soon.
On tackling Naxal threat, the 1981-batch IPS Officer said police have gained the upper hand in their fight against Maoists, who are active in a few districts of Vidarbha. Two types of operations- covert and overt operations will be launched to further weaken them. Armed Out-Posts (AOPs) are being increased in Gadchiroli district to increase police presence there. New safety equipment is being procured to protect policemen operating in the Naxal hit areas. Financial aid is also being provided to families of policemen martyred during Naxal operations. Mathur said his other priorities include increasing transparency in policing, improving service delivery and providing better working conditions to police staff.
– by Nitesh Poojari
