Malerkotla cops to involve kin in Diwali celebrations, events

In a bid to strengthen community policing, the Malerkotla district police have announced that family members of police personnel will be included in events and celebrations planned for Diwali.

Besides enhancing emotional bonding among officers and their families, the initiative aims to motivate police personnel working in sensitive areas requiring high vigilance during the festival season.

The police department has also drawn up a programme to sensitise various groups, including students, factory workers, drivers, traders dealing in fireworks, and workers, about safety measures and potential hazards during Diwali.

SSP Gagan Ajit Singh said officers under Circle Officers at Ahmedgarh, Amargarh and Malerkotla had been instructed to invite their family members and adjust traditional rituals according to their deployment schedules.

He commended the efforts of DSPs Sukhdev Singh, Sanjiv Kapoor and Manavjit Singh Sidhu for initiating local-level preparations in association with families and NGOs. “Having observed that family members of police personnel often feel lonely on festive days, we decided to involve them directly in departmental celebrations,” said SSP Singh.

He added that arrangements would be made for the stay of families if required.

Surinder Pal Singh Sidhu, in-charge of the District Sanjh Kendra, said teams of police personnel and volunteers, including family members, would visit slums, orphanages and old age homes in all three subdivisions to celebrate Diwali with residents.