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s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf takes to the streets on August 5, against what it calls the illegal confinement of the party founder, Imran Khan, the Lahore police are all set to deal with any law and order situation.
Early this month, the chief minister launched the Riot Management Police, expected to look after the protest rally.
It is pertinent to mention here that the PTI has faced a heavy crackdown on its workers and leaders since the May 9 events which the party is accused of planning and executing. They haven’t been allowed to hold a public rally or protest demonstration ever since. However, recently, the Lahore chapter of the PTI managed to dodge the cops and hold protest rallies at various places in the city. Sources within the party claim that the protests are part of their countrywide movement that will reach its crescendo on August 5.
Meanwhile, PTI Lahore president, Sheikh Imtiaz, has formally sought permission from the city administration to hold a “peaceful rally.” He has also requested for an alternative venue in case the Minar-i-Pakistan ground is not available.
The request comes as part of the PTI’s political strategy. A PTI leader says, on condition of anonymity, “Come what may, the Lahore chapter of the PTI is committed to bringing large numbers to the streets. No one can stop us from exercising our constitutional right. We know the government plans to use brute force against us, but the time has come to show our political muscle.”
The Lahore police are gathering information through their spy network about the possible activities of those bent on creating a law and order situation.
The city police are in no mood to allow the PTI to proceed with the protest movement, as these protests have often turned violent in the past. Talking to TNS, the head of the newly established Riot Management Police, DIG Asad Sarfraz Khan said, “We are prepared to deal with any situation, as per our mandate and training.”
Primarily, the RMP are trained to cope with riots, street protests and demonstrations, without using lethal force. They aren’t an independent body, as Khan put it. In fact, they operate under the district police.
Khan further said that in megacities like Lahore, the CCPO or CPO will supervise the RMP. But in smaller districts, the DPO is the officer under whose command the force shall operate.
Khan revealed that initially 5,000 personnel will be included in the RMP. Out of these, some 3,000 trained in the first batch. In megacities, a contingent of around 450 personnel is deputed, whereas in each district a team of 200-odd cops is installed. In the districts, an SP will supervise the RMP.
The DIG said the force was being trained along modern lines. Moreover, special drills have been designed to maintain high standards of fitness and performance of the personnel.
Proper equipment is essential for any force. According to Khan, special attention has been given to procurement of quality equipment and tools for the RMP.
He says RMP squads are in charge of mob engagement and mob control. For this purpose, they are allowed to use water cannon, teargas, rubber bullets, stun grenades, long-range sound devices, evacuation, arrest, first aid, advance party, drone operation and canines.
He said that in the absence of specific laws for the RMP in dealing with the protesters, the violators are booked under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
Dispelling the impression that chemicals are used in water cannons by the police to disperse the protesters, he said, “Look, the protesters are our own people. Freedom of expression and peaceful protest are their constitutional rights. The RMP’s prime duty is to prevent them from becoming violent and taking the law into their hands.
“We cannot — and should not — use brute force against them. That’s why we will only use rubber bullets, if the need arises.”
DROP CAP
DIG Operations, Faisal Kamran, confirmed that the Lahore police had been put on the alert. “No one will be allowed to disturb the peace of the city,” he said. “If the city administration does not permit [the PTI] to hold a protest rally or public meeting, we shall ensure compliance.
“In the event of an emergency, we shall call the RMP to assist the city police.”
Kamran said that the PTI’s track record wasn’t good, “The protesters tend to become violent. So, we are all set to thwart any such attempts.”
He stated that the department was gathering information through their spy network about the possible activities of those bent on creating a law and order situation. “Our primary duty is to protect the life and property of the citizens. Rest assured that we shall leave no stone unturned to achieve this goal,” he said.
The DIG dismissed the idea that the PTI had secretly held rallies in the city to rehearse their August 5 countrywide protests. He said, “It was just a flash protest at one or two places. That’s it.”
Ahsan Zia is a print and broadcast journalist