PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday issued a strong warning against threats and attacks on police personnel, saying the force should not remain silent when subjected to such behaviour.
“I empower my police force. If anyone threatens or attacks the police, they must not remain silent. Do not tolerate such behaviour; there is absolutely no need to tolerate it,” Sawant said.
Addressing a gathering after distributing appointment letters to newly appointed Police Sub-Inspectors and handing over 46 new Mahindra Bolero Neo vehicles to Goa Police, Sawant said the police must deal with people with patience and humanity, but adopt strict policing when required. “Goa is small, everyone knows each other, and the police try not to cause unnecessary trouble to the locals in their surroundings. However, if anyone creates trouble, the police must handle them strictly,” he said.
He added that police personnel should not hesitate to take action against those who misbehave with them. “Our direct mandate is to protect the people, but if certain individuals misbehave, the police must show them real policing, and the time has come to do so,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister also said Goa Police had successfully reduced its emergency response time. “We have reduced the police response time to just nine minutes, and we are trying to reduce it even further,” Sawant said. He said the 46 new Mahindra Bolero Neo vehicles would strengthen highway patrolling from Pernem to Canacona, besides supporting traffic police, district police stations and State Police Control Room units.
Sawant also urged motorists to exercise caution, recounting an accident involving a young two-wheeler rider near the Amona bridge shortly before he arrived at the venue.
He said the rider had increased her speed as she approached the bridge and lost control when the vehicle jerked as she crossed it. He noted that the accident could have resulted in a major tragedy had another vehicle been immediately behind her. “Whether you are a girl or a boy, please control your speed,” Sawant said, while also urging motorists not to use mobile phones while driving or riding.
He said smoother roads should not be an excuse for speeding and stressed that traffic signals, speed breakers, AI cameras and police personnel deployed on roads were intended to protect motorists. “We have no intention of harassing the public; your safety is of the utmost importance to us,” he said.
