ATTOCK, May 8: Instead of strengthening the police to combat terrorism and other crimes in the district, the quarters concerned in the Punjab police have curtailed about 200 sanctioned posts of constables, causing a setback to the department already facing 30 per cent shortage of personnel, it has been learnt.

Police sources said 200 posts of constables had been diverted to the Chakwal police a week back by higher police authorities. Whereas the district police were already facing shortage of personnel, weapons and other resources/logistics, which were essential in maintenance of law and order and pre-empt any terrorism act effectively, they said.

The sources said the Attock police had 14 police stations and six police circles with the required police force of about 3,238 including 2,317 constables, 433 head constables, 253 assistant sub-inspectors, 188 SIs, 29 inspectors, eight inspectors legal, two DSPs legal and eight DSPs.

But surprisingly, only about 2,315 police officials - 1915 constables, 123 head constables, 107 ASIs, 140 SIs, 23 inspectors, one inspector legal and five DSPs - are available. The posts of DSPs investigation, headquarters, traffic, patrolling and Hazro, Fatehjang police circles are lying vacant. Even the vacant post of SP investigation is yet to be filled.

Besides, the police are also facing severe shortage of weapons, ammunition, wireless sets, vehicles and other security equipment. Moreover, the 30 km dry portion of Indus River from Ghorghusti to Attock bridge bordering KP also poses security threat to this sensitive district as outlaws easily enter Punjab from KP via Attock through the said illegal route.

Recently, the Punjab government established riverine posts along the Indus for security of bordering areas and curbing terrorists but still they are without specialised arms/weapons with special gadgets.

When contacted, district police officer (DPO) Dr Akhtar Abbas confirmed the curtailment of the 200 posts. He said the step had been taken by the higher authorities.

He said the district had become very sensitive particularly after terrorism incidents. The DPO said there was a need to fill the vacant posts of SP investigation and DSPs. While posts of lady constables should be increased as current strength is insufficient, he added. He said working of the district police would improve if the manpower shortage was resolved.