The war against terrorism is on. The need of the hour is a joint effort by citizens and the men in uniform to fight the menace. Also, equally important is the role of the media.

'Friends of Police' -- a voluntary organisation run by the Tamil Nadu Police -- is conducting an essay-writing contest in association with the Bureau of Police Research and Development, New Delhi. Participants will write on the topic -- 'The Reciprocal Roles of the Police, Security Forces, Media and the General Public in the War against Terrorism.'

Participants should e-mail their essays (not more than 2000 words) to fop@airtelmail.in. The last date for submission of essays is February 28, 2009. The best entry will receive a cash prize of Rs 10,000 at a function in the second half of 2009.