Punjab to introduce riot management police to control violent protests

Punjab has announced plans to introduce a dedicated riot management police force in response to growing concerns over violent protests and civil unrest in the region.

According to police sources, the new unit, called the Riot Management Team (RMT), will consist of 200 officers and operate under 15 specialised units, Express News reported.

These units will include a mob control unit, water cannon unit, rubber bullet unit, and stun gun unit.

"The Riot Management Team will be equipped with advanced tools such as surveillance drones, electric shock shields, and modern vehicles. Additionally, the team will use trained dogs to assist with crowd control," a police official explained.

The force will also have legal authority to take action as necessary.

The move is part of ongoing efforts to maintain public order amid protests that have recently escalated in the region. The decision comes as a direct response to increasing incidents of violence and property damage during demonstrations.

Authorities hope the new team will help prevent further unrest and ensure swift and effective responses to any disruptions.

Few days ago, Punjab Police thwarted a major attack carried out by more than 20 terrorists on Chapri Police Station in Mianwali, killing four militants.

According to the statement, the assailants launched the assault near the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Punjab interprovincial border, targeting the police station in the Isakhel Circle.

The terrorists stormed the station with heavy weaponry, including rocket-propelled grenades and hand grenades and a fierce gun battle broke out between the police and the attackers.

Despite the intensity of the assault, the police personnel in Mianwali remained resolute, forcing the terrorists to retreat and neutralising the threat.

In a swift and coordinated operation, four militants were killed, and the entire police station staff remained unharmed. District Police Officer (DPO) Akhtar Farooq, along with senior police officers, were on-site, overseeing the operation.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar praised the Mianwali police for their professionalism and courage in neutralizing the attack. "Punjab Police remains vigilant and committed to crushing the malicious intentions of terrorists," he stated.