The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : RAF team touring Ernakulam district

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 13, 2005

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

RAF team touring Ernakulam district

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: A 60-member team of Rapid Action Force (RAF) is on a familiarisation tour of the district. The team, led by K. Sajith Kumar, Assistant Commandant, is out to learn the details of the land — population pattern, communal distribution, historical background and topography.

The team belongs to a company stationed at Malappuram, which is in charge of containing communal violence across the State. Familiarisation exercise was last conducted in the district two years ago.

Even though the district has not witnessed any riots or communal disturbances in the recent past, RAF is touring the region as part of its routine exercise. At present, the district is not listed in the `highly-sensitive' category.

It will take less than two hours for the force to take position anywhere in the district, Mr. Kumar said.

The team visits sensitive areas in the State and interacts with the local policeVajra, a fully-armed vehicle fitted with accessories like electric shell launcher, floodlights, three different types of alarm sirens and public address system, is accompanying the team.

The vehicle can launch seven teargas shells at the same time to a maximum distance of 200 metres.

The team is put up at Armed Reserve Camp, Thripunithura.

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