Diglipur, Jan 25: In an unprecedented move, Superintendent of Police, Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, spearheaded a Multi-Faceted Outreach deep into the heart of the frontier overlooked border village on seashore of Indian water approx. 1hrs 40 min of walking distance traversed through dense forests and meandering creeks, from main road. This symbolic visit signifies a pledge to community engagement, people welfare, and transformative policing in the challenging terrains of North and Middle Andaman District. Situated in the border region, Kalapahar No- 27 village faces unique challenges including poaching activities and geographical isolation.
Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, broke barriers by engaging in discussions and interactive sessions with the local villagers, fostering unity and trust between law enforcement and the community, focusing on a vulnerable border village lies on the opportunity to address specific challenges unique to such areas. By understanding needs and concerns of community, Law Enforcement, led by the SP, can implement targeted strategies. This approach not only enhance security but also strengthens community relation, fostering a collaborative effort to mitigate vulnerabilities and build a resilient, safer environment.
Sometime back of an incident of theft of a dinghy belonging to a local resident of this village, Piush Bakla by foreign poachers came to light. Despite unfavorable weather conditions during peak monsoon season, the Anti-Poaching Task Force of District Police N&M Andaman apprehended the foreign poachers, recovered the stolen dinghy, and promptly returned it to Piush Bakla. Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, personally met Piush Bakla during her visit, where he expressed gratitude and thanked Police for their immediate action in recovering his dinghy.
During the visit as a significant gesture of goodwill, essential supplies, including tarpaulins, jerricans, torch light, cooking utensils, solar lights, for villagers and drawing kits for children, were distributed to address logistical challenges posed by the village's remote border location. The response from the villagers was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the human side of law enforcement.
Further, in an interactive session with villagers, she also educated them on crucial legal aspects, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Cyber Crimes, Road Safety, and self-hygiene. Recognizing the transformative power of education, Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal passionately urged the villagers to prioritize compulsory education for their children. In an environment where educational resources are scarce, she assured unwavering support, including career counseling and coaching classes, to ensure every child in the village has the opportunity for quality education. A basic health checkup was also conducted, addressing the villagers' well-being.
Ms. Geetanjali Khandelwal, IPS, stated, "Community policing is more than just law enforcement, it’s a collaborative approach that fosters trust and understanding.” When the SP visits vulnerable border villages, it’s not merely about maintaining order but engaging with community, addressing concerns and building a partnership for a safer more secure environment. The personal touch in these interaction goes a long way in fortifying bond between law enforcement and the residents creating a resilience and cooperation front against potential challenges.”
This visit to Kalapahar No-27 an isolated border village serves as a powerful reminder of the district police's steadfast dedication to inclusivity, welfare, and sustainable community development.