Feel proud and happy to be on CWG duty, say policemen

NEW DELHI - For D.R. Singh, a police personnel from Tripura, securing the national capital during the Commonwealth Games was far easier than hunting Maoists in the jungles of Chhattisgarh.

“We have always been part of the anti-Maoist operations. We have been in the jungles without food and water for two-three days. It was an uncertain life,” Singh told IANS.

“Here, it is an eight-hour job and the facilities have been really up to the mark. Delhi Police has been very co-operative as well,” he said.

He is among the thousands of policemen camping in the city since September-end to provide foolproof security during the 12-day mega-sporting event, which is concluding Thursday.

Like Singh, there are other policemen who have come to the capital from across the country — Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.

Apart from policemen, the city is also witnessing a posse of men from the Border Security Force, National Security Guard, Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force.

Most of them are either staying at schools, police stations, community centres or at the police training centre on the outskirts of Delhi.

As far as food is concerned, they have their platter full. A police van delivers them the meals to the spot where they are posted.

“We are used to living in the worst situations. But here we are living in a much better situation and the city is always the best location for duty,” said K.T. Jansun from 15 Battalion of the Nagaland Armed Police.

The nearly 18,000 policemen, who are armed with weapons and guard the capital round the clock, share a common feeling of pride of serving the nation during the Games.

“Serving here has been the best thing. I feel very proud. We all feel very happy when people appreciate the kind of security we have provided. We get to hear about it,” said D.R. Singh.

“All my colleagues are proud that we are part of this moment,” he added.

Manoj Kumar, a policeman from Madhya Pradesh, said his children feel very proud that he is part of the Games.

“My children keep telling their friends that I am on CWG duty in Delhi,” he said.

But, there are some problems too.

K.P.S. Ramachandran from Tamil Nadu State Police said that he faces the language problem.

“But there are a few Tamilians in Delhi Police. They help out whenever we get stuck,” said Ramachandran, who along with his colleagues is staying at the Delhi Police Training School and College in Jharauda Kalan on the outskirts of Delhi.

“We even have our own mess from the state because of which we don’t face any food problem,” he said.

According to Delhi Police, providing comfortable stay to these police personnel was the top priority.

“Accommodation was always a priority for us and we booked schools and community centres to provide them proper lodging and food facilities,” Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told IANS.

Shandar Dass, from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police posted at Lodhi Road, said he has come to Delhi earlier but this time it was special.

“Many people came to me to take my photographs. Many just stand next to me while getting their photographs clicked. I would always cherish this. I am happy that I am here. I feel proud that I have served my country,” said Dass, with pride written large on his face.