Taking a strong view of the deteriorating law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh and increasing complaints against the police, UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that he would not hesitate to take firm action against erring cops if they did not mend their ways.
The chief minister said that complaints of harassment of people at the police stations were being received and this, for him, was unacceptable.
Mr Yadav, who was addressing the police personnel on the occasion of Police Smriti Divas, organised to pay tributes to cops who had lost their lives on duty, said that an image makeover of the police force would be a befitting tribute to those who had laid their lives for their duty. This was the first time that the chief minister asked the police to pull up its socks in a direct interaction with the police personnel.
He said that the changing nature of the crime was posing fresh challenges before the force which must now gear up to meet the new challenges.
“In the time of crisis, a person expects help from the police and you must realise the importance and provide immediate relief to the common man without losing out on the dignity and responsibility of your post. The role of police should be strict with anti-social elements and criminals and compassionate while dealing with the common man,” he said.
He further asked the cops to lay special emphasis on the security of women and children.
The chief minister said that strengthening the police system was one of the main priorities of his government and it was being done in a planned manner. He said efforts were on to modernise the police force and provide sophisticated weapons to the personnel.
He pointed out that the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad was a huge challenge for his government and the police must ensure that the event is held in a peaceful manner and no inconvenience is caused to the pilgrims.