Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that strength of the elite Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), which has earned many laurels for Uttar Pradesh, will be increased with recruitment of 18,000 more jawans in near future.
“PAC is among the elite police forces in the country and has worked for maintaining peace and delivered services even during natural calamities. The strength of the PAC should be 273 companies but 74 companies are not active because of lack of manpower. The Government is keen to appoint 18,000 jawans to make these companies active ,” he said while speaking at a 69th PAC Raising Day function here on Sunday.
Yogi Adityanath said that PAC battalions that have been dormant would be made operational and entrusted with greater responsibilities. This Government is committed to improve law and order in the state. Though primarily this is the work of civil police but time and again PA too has been asked to chip in with its contribution.
The Chief Minister said that PAC was working efficiently and protecting vital places, including the lucknow Metro. It has played instrumental role in the conduct of many religious festivals like Kumbh Mela in Prayag and other functions in other parts of the state including Mathura, Ayodhya and Varanasi.
In last floods it saved lives of hundreds of people. Besides, PAC was instrumental in thwarting the terror attack at the Parliament. I was an eye-witness to that incident. PAC jawans even played crucial role in liquidating terrorists who attacked Ram Janmabhoomi complex on July 5, 2005. Even in UP ATS team comprise many PAC Jawans. This shows PAC is a multi-faceted team which has worked in all situations and has excelled,” he said.
The Chief Minister took the salute of PAC contingents in the presence of Director-General of Police Sulkhan Singh and PAC director-general Rajiv Kumar Vishwakarma. The highlights of the event were the patriotic tunes played by the PAC band and a dog show in which the canines displayed their amazing skills. The constabulary’s commandos also demonstrated their skills.
The modern firearms and equipment acquired by PAC were also put on display on the occasion. CM also honoured Platoon Commander Chandrahas Kushwaha who won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in different sport events in World Police and Fire Games Athletics held in los Angeles between August 7 and 16.