The outlaws in the southwestern region have killed several policemen in the last few months. In at least one case the policeman could not launch a counterattack, as the damp bullets in their rifles did not fire and the assailants made good their escape. So it became evident that the attacked policemen were not only using crude and outdated weapons but they did not even know that they were carrying -- dead ammunition! What could be a more convincing proof of poor preparedness of the law enforcers to face armed miscreants?

Not that the police bosses, nor by the same token, the government were in the dark about their weaponry strength vis-a-vis that of the clandestine operators in some southwestern districts. But they either underestimated the strength of the outlaws or were strapped for cash in equipping their men. Some precious lives were lost, as policemen themselves became the victims of violent crimes.

There can hardly be any second opinion that the police are neither well-equipped nor well-trained to face the challenge posed by organised criminals. It is no longer a secret that criminals have managed to procure deadly assault rifles and other weaponsa point made clear by the way they opened fire on two police officers in a city hotel a few weeks ago.

We feel that police must have the firepower to effectively counter criminal activities, but at the same time they need modern training and the right kind of motivation. Police should have a social commitment and an understanding of and respect for human rights.

Police must also have modern communication gadgets and an adequate number of vehicles at their disposal to operate successfully. Regrettably, in the remote areas police have little mobility as they face an acute shortage of transport.

The government has to take note of the latest incidents and adopt a plan to modernise the police force as the most crucial part of its anti-crime campaign.