PESHAWAR, Sep 26: The NWFP police on Wednesday denied that many policemen had deserted the force or abandoned checkposts due to the deteriorating law and order situation in Swat.

“No-one has deserted the force,” Provincial Police Chief Mohammad Sharif Virk said, while clarifying a news item published in Dawn.

He told Dawn police had been withdrawn from some posts to strengthen other positions. “This is part of our strategy.” Certain old roadside posts had been vacated, he said.

A spokesman for the NWFP police said all police stations and checkposts were working. “They are receiving complaints and investigating cases as per routine.”

He said the strength of law-enforcement personnel in various police points had been increased. He said the Swat police continued to patrol.

A senior government official said the district police officer was authorised to call in military if needed.

He said police in Swat wanted to set up more checkposts and could seek the army’s help in this regard.