Neyaz Elahi
Srinagar : Police officers who had vacated training centre in wake of Covid-19 pandemic in March this year have been ordered to resume their remaining training at Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy Udhampur. The order has baffled these probationary officers who want Department to put the order in abeyance till the Covid-19 threat is over.
Pertinently, Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy Udhampur was closed on 18 March following the Covid-19 pandemic breakout. Over 600 Sub-Inspectors and 5 Deputy Superintendent of Police officers were undergoing training at the Academy at the time of closure.
These officers had joined the Academy for one year training on 26 June 2019 and were able to complete only 9 months training. Now they have been ordered to show up at the Academy for remaining training.
A couple of trainee officers told news agency KNT that they were already posted in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, performing law and order duties, but the order to turn up for the training in times of pandemic has worried them.
“There is a continuous rise in positive cases and death toll is on rise. When government lays thrust on social distancing and wearing of masks, how come we will be able to maintain social distancing at the Academy? We are scared and are witnessing how police and Forces personnel are getting Covid infection at work places,” they said on condition of anonymity.
“Our training will resume on 12 July this month. We don’t think it is appropriate time. If all educational institutions are still closed up to 31st July then why PHQ is in a hurry to send us back to the Academy in such pandemic,” the officers said.
When contacted, a top police official from Police Headquarter told KNT that SOP will be followed during training. He said that all arrangements have been made and social distancing norms will also be followed. (KNT)
