RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi police have been put on a high alert to deal with unruly protesters as even non-operational policemen are being given special anti-riot training on how to stay safe and handle rioters in case of violence.

Anti-riot experts have been imparting training to the non-operational staff posted at police stations and subdivisional police offices at the Police Lines Headquarters.

During the sessions, the officials are being trained on how to protect themselves from protesters in case the latter turned violent during the PTI planned ‘lockdown’ of Islamabad.

A police spokesman said City Police Officer (CPO) Israr Ahmed Khan Abbasi briefed the participants of a training session on Sunday. The CPO asked the policemen to show courage and perform their duty without any fear.

However, a police official said the CPO expressed his displeasure over lobbing of tear gas shells on the participants of a protest held by Sheikh Rashid Ahmed’s party on Friday.

The provincial police chief has directed all the divisional police officers to check the PTI workers from leaving their respective districts for Islamabad.

“No convoy of protesters should be allowed to move towards Islamabad or Rawalpindi and law and order must be maintained,” said a senior police officer.

He said the police had been directed to remain vigilant and take action against those trying to create disturbances.

“Vehicles moving towards the twin cities, especially those bearing registration numbers of other cities, should be checked strictly before being allowed to continue their journey.”

In Rawalpindi Saddar circle, roads will be blocked at eight points with containers and razor wires. These points included T-Chowk Rawat, Mandra toll plaza, Sihal Chakri Road, Gunali, Trait Murree, Toll Plaza 17 Mile and Kahuta Club. Roads at Margalla Hills in Taxila, Pirwadhai Mor, Faizabad Chowk, Koral Chowk, Soan Bridge, Mandra Toll Plaza and Bhai Khan Bridge in Gujar Khan would also be blocked.

The police personnel to be deployed in these points and other areas have been directed to report to the Police Lines Headquarters at 8:30am on Monday.

Senior police officers leading the anti-riot police will be wearing plastic helmets and equipped with riot jackets, shin guards and armed guards while the police personnel will be carrying batons, tear gas shells, rubber bullets and other anti-riot tools. However, no police personnel will be carrying firearms.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2016