Bhubaneswar, June 23: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Friday launched the Orissa Swift Action Force (OSAF) which was constituted on the lines of Rapid Action Force.
Initially, three companies of the force were formed to deal with riot like situation in the state. The companies will start work from Puri Rath Yatra.
Speaking on the occasion, Patnaik said, “I convey my best wishes to all the members of the new force on this happy occasion. We often depend on Centre for deployment of Rapid Action Force for maintenance of law and order situation. OSAF will bridge the critical requirement of an elite force to deal with serious law and order situations.”
“I am sure the OSAF will serve the purpose of its formation by intervening in crisis situations in the quickest possible manner,” he added.
The force is meant to achieve ‘Zero Response Time’ to overpower rioters and miscreants.
The force will be deployed in short spells as prolonged deployment may reduce its effectiveness.
The OSAF will be equipped with tear-gas elements, first-aid and firing element to control riots. The force shall also have a portable fire extinguisher, water cannon, Vajra vehicle mounted with multiple launchers in addition to other vehicles and anti-riot guns.
The state so far has two other specialised wings of Orissa police. They are the Special Operation Group (SOG) and the Special Tactical Unit (STU). PNN
