Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Aug 6: In an initiative aimed at promoting people-friendly policing and getting to know as well respond to the problems of the people, the Mangaluru rural police on Sunday August 6 held beat members' meet at Vamajoor church hall here. A blood donation camp was also held on the occasion.

Parish priest of Vamanjoor church Fr Cypran Pinto along with other dignitaries inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

Addressing the gathering, inspector of Mangaluru rural police station Shiva Prakash H said, "Earlier, Mangaluru rural police station had a wide geographical coverage with 16 areas coming its limits. Recently, the government bifurcated Mangaluru rural and town police stations, each now having nine and seven areas respectively under their limits. Places like Neermaarga, Arkula, Adyar, Malur, Ulaibettu, Bondel, Kudupu and Pachanady come under the limits of Mangaluru rural police station.

"The main reason behind the police beat system is to reach out to the people and respond to their problems. We have formed a committee of 50 members in nine different areas that come under our station limits so that they feel free to share information and cooperate with the police officials in maintaining peace and harmony in the society. I urge all the members to note down the contact details of police officials who are assigned in each area and keep in touch with them.

"The total populating in these nine areas is around 1,20,000. In comparison, the police strength rural station is very less. We have identified 42 additional areas to keep an eye on, and each of those areas has around 2,100 people. People residing here get provoked over trivial matters and give different colours to such incidents, which ultimitately affects the common people. While 99% of the people are disciplined and educated, because of the remaining 1%, peace and harmony is disrupted. This beat system will create a friendly atmosphere, so I urge everyone to join hands to cooperate in fostering peace in society," Shiva Prakash said.

Parish priest of Vamanjoor church Fr Cypran Pinto said, "Earlier we were afraid of police but now things have changed, as police have become more friendly. We are happy that the Mangaluru rural police station has come up in Vamanjoor and we feel much more secure. People are afraid of police only when they break the law. If we sincerely follow the law then we need not be afraid of the police as they too have humanity."

Coastalwood actor Bhojaraj Vamanjoor said, "We are really happy and feel more secure after Mangaluru rural police station came up at Vamanjoor. Organising programmes like this will definitely help people to unite with the police and help each other in maintaining peace in society."

Expressing his opinion, Anand Amin, a local, said, "This programme is very useful in building rapport between people and the police. We need to understand that police had a very tough time for the past couple of months. They are working day and night sacrificing their personal lives for us. It is our duty to support and cooperate with the police to maintain peace."

The blood donation camp held later was organized by Tejasvini Hospital.

Corporator Hemalatha Raghu Salian, Dr Arnab Mukerjee of Tejasvini Hospital, MCC member Bhaskar, Adyar taluk panchayat member Samad and others were present.