Pakistan sets up community police to thwart Taliban

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MINGORA — Pakistan has armed and appointed the first community police in Swat valley in order to help prevent a Taliban resurgence and bolster security forces.

A semblance of calm has returned to the once lovely Swat mountain district more than three months after Pakistan ordered its military forces to wage an air and ground assault against Taliban fighters who controlled it.

But civilian and military officials say peace hinges on a properly trained and equipped police force, which, under an effective civil administration, must fill the security vacuum and prevent a return of insurgency.

New Swat police Chief Sajid Khan Mohmand says the answer lies in his drive to recruit community police, particularly as hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians return to the valley, hoping that peace will last.

"Community police have started to function at local police stations in the valley. They'll work alongside regular police and help them deal with militants effectively. We have already received 1,600 applications," Mohmand said.

Regular police do not always live in the neighbourhoods in which they work, so the community officers should be able to help root out militants who are not part of the community. They are chosen for their clean background checks and physical strength by tribal elders, and will earn a monthly salary of US$125 dollars.

Retired brigadier and security expert Mahmood Shah said community policing is the best way to restore peace in Swat, but he stressed that their success or failure will depend on proper training in policing and counter-insurgency.

"The plan for use of community police is initially for two years. Swat police were demoralised because of the army’s counter-Taliban operation. This induction will boost their morale. But the government should first train these people," Shah said.

[AFP]