Silchar Deploys ‘Anti-Romeo Squads’ at Puja Pandals to Prevent Harassment

The term “anti-Romeo squad” has been adopted from the Uttar Pradesh government’s initiative aimed at reducing eve-teasing, which was launched in 2017.

In Assam’s Silchar town, motorbike-borne “anti-Romeo squads” have been deployed during the ongoing Durga Puja festival to ensure the “protection of women and children festival-goers.” These squads, comprising mostly women constables and officers, were officially launched on Monday and will be on duty around the clock until the festival concludes.

Cachar Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta stated that the squad members underwent 15 days of training in unarmed combat prior to the festival. Their primary focus will be patrolling Silchar, the largest town in Assam’s predominantly Bengali-speaking Barak Valley, where Durga Puja celebrations attract large crowds.

“They will be on duty 24 hours a day and in case some problem arises with women and children, they will rush to the place and help them and take necessary measures… We are trying our level best to ensure they do not face any problem while pandals,” Mahatta explained.