Assam: Special women force deployed to curb eve-teasing

Eve-teasers better watch out in bustling Guwahati as a special women force of Assam Police called 'Virangana' (brave woman) has been deployed on the city streets to curb the growing trend of eve-teasing.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday formally launched the special woman force of Assam Police in Guwahati.

The Virangana force will be gradually introduced in other places of the state following its introduction in the state capital.

Gogoi exuded confidence that the specially trained women police force would help curbing the growing incidence and tendency of eve-teasing.

"We have trained 100 women constables in martial arts, arms drill and silent drill to make them tough. The 100 women constables are pooled from various battalions of the state police and were specially trained in Tamil Nadu," said Assam Police DGP JN Choudhury.

During the launching ceremony, the Viranganas flaunted their prowess and tactics to discharge their duty efficiently. The Virangana ideal commends physical training and active deployment of the body in combat.

"We have read about exploits of several Viranganas in the pages of the history. From Kanaklata and Mula Gabhoru of Assam to 'Jhansi Ki Raani' Laxmi bai, many women leaders and warriors rose to fight for the greater interest of the society," said a senior officer of Assam Police.

The Virangana force is to have a different uniform with a sword. "We are trained to restrain any kind of assault on/towards women. We hope this force will be a landmark in the efforts to maintain law and order in the city. We want all women to cooperate with the force in protecting their modesty", another senior official said.

Image: Virangana force personnel show their prowess at a function in Guwahati on Friday