Attack on Panaji police today 31 May 2008, 0430 hrs IST,Preetu Nair,TNN PANAJI: Panaji police are gearing up to defend themselves from an attack by their Mapusa mates. Information with TOI indicates that the Mapusa cops have prepared a systematic plan of attack against their Panaji counterparts on Saturday. Stones with which to pelt the Panaji police have been assembled and an ambulance is standing in readiness to carry off the injured.
It's going to be an encounter worth watching and those wishing to witness the war between the men in khaki can do so at the Porvorim police ground, which has been selected as the battlefield. But it's a battle from which both sides will walk away from the field with their heads held high. The rising number of attacks on the police has affected the morale of men in khaki and the North Goa police decided upon a mob control drill for its police officers. For that's exactly what the fight will be - a drill. "After the attack on the Panaji police station, we thought we should rethink our handling of a mob. This would help the morale of the police as they would be able to handle the mob and avoid allegations of brutality or helplessness," said North Goa SP Bosco George. The exercise will have about 50 policemen each playing the roles of law protectors and rioters. While the mob will pelt stones and attack with sticks, those playing the cops will be garbed in full riot gear consisting shields, lathis, helmets and chest guard to defend themselves. An officer will take charge and direct his juniors in the defence. The operation focuses on training policemen on how to face a violent mob as well as the rules of engaging a mob. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Attack_on_Panaji_police_today/ articleshow/3087450.cms ~(^^)~ Avelino
