TIMERGARA, Oct 28: A 450-men community force was formed at a ceremony held at the Police Lines here on Tuesday.

The voluntary force would carry out joint patrolling with the police and would work to combat crimes in the area. Lower Dir police department selected the volunteers from different areas for community policing.

Speaking on the occasion, DPO Syed Fida Hussain said that combating militancy was not possible without public support. “You have to prove by your actions that your selection for the force was right and you can do this difficult job without looking at financial benefits,” he urged the volunteers.

He said the new force would act like a bridge between the police and public, adding that the police would share necessary information with the community police to eliminate crimes from the area.

Members of the community policing system, the DPO said, would cooperate with peace committees, already formed in various union councils and would consult them when necessary.

He said there was no salary or remuneration for the volunteers, however, they would be given identity cards and provided with permits to carry arms. He urged the people to cooperate with the new force, claiming that the step had been taken to provide security of life, property and self esteem to every citizen of the country. —Correspondent