Daringbadi: In an attempt to get nearer to common people, the police arranged a Jan Sampark camp at Katadi School play ground under Danekbadi panchayat in Kandhamal district here. Local residents for the first time in their lives saw two senior police officials-superintendent of Police (SP) Pratik Singh and Baliguda SDPO Nitin Kushalkar-attending camp at a remote area and felt encouraged.
It is a common perspective, that the men-in-khaki are strict, rude. They are there only to punish the wrong doers. The police have a negative picture imprinted in the mind of common people due to unwelcome behaviour by some of them.
Mostly, people in tribal and interior regions do not have a direct connect with police. Most of the time, the tribals do not approach police in many cases.
In a bid to change the perception of the tribals, the district police launched the Jan Sampark camp. During the programme, the cops tried their best to improve its picture and get closer with the tribals and make them realise that the police are to bring change and protect the society.
If police lift arms it is only against anti-social elements, not against common people. The police’s sole aim is to thwart Maoists’ activities and make people aware of government’s various developmental projects and schemes so that they can take maximum advantages of them, the police officials said at the camp.
SP Pratik Singh, who attended as the chief guest, said police’ coming closure to people is essential to get the society free from crimes and criminals. “The police is always with you and ready to serve you,” he said.
As part of the camp, a volleyball match was played involving eight local teams. The two IPS officers also played with them. While the winner team was awarded a trophy, the players were given away volleyballs and equipments.
On this occasion, various competitions were held between school children and the winners were given away school bags, notebooks and pens. Similarly winter clothes, sarees, dhotis, towels were also distributed among the villagers. SP Pratik Singh and SDPO Nitin Kushalkar distributed musical instruments to the troupes that performed dance on this occasion.
At a health camp put up on this occasion, 360 villagers checked their health conditions and received medicines.
PNN