Sri Vijaya Puram, October 6: The Police Department has launched a special self-defence training programme for women and girls in Shaheed Dweep, following directions issued by Lieutenant Governor Dr Dinesh Sharma during his visit to the island, as concerns over women’s safety continue to trigger protests and public debate across the country.
The programme, titled ‘Aparajita’, was inaugurated on October 5 at the Government Senior Secondary School, Shaheed Dweep, by Pinky Das, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Neil Kendra.
The first batch of the programme has 85 women and girls, who will undergo training from October 5 to 16. The initiative is aimed at equipping participants with basic self-defence techniques, greater awareness and the confidence to respond effectively in situations where their personal safety may be at risk.
The programme has been introduced at a time when women’s safety has again become a prominent national concern. Women and students in different parts of the country have taken to the streets demanding safer public spaces and stronger measures to prevent crimes against women. Recent protests, particularly in Delhi, have highlighted concerns over sexual violence, safety on and around educational campuses and the need for greater accountability from authorities.
The Supreme Court has also recently emphasised the need for preventive measures to protect women and children, stressing that authorities must work towards preventing crimes and creating safer public spaces rather than limiting their response to action after an offence takes place.
In Shaheed Dweep, the Police Department’s ‘Aparajita’ initiative seeks to address women’s safety at the community level by combining self-defence training with awareness and confidence-building.
According to the Police Department, the programme is designed to enable young girls and women to respond calmly and effectively when confronted with challenging or potentially dangerous situations. It also aims to take the message of women’s safety, awareness and empowerment directly to the community.
The initiative is part of the Police Department’s efforts to create a safer and more empowered community and further strengthen public-police relations. Through the programme, women and girls are also being encouraged to approach the police without hesitation and report situations that may pose a threat to their safety.
The training is being conducted by IRBn Commando HC/021105 Manoj, who holds a Black Belt in Karate and is an NSG-trained commando. He is being assisted by PC S. Nirusha and PC Sunita Devi.
The programme is being conducted under the supervision of SI P. Jeevan, SHO, Police Station Shaheed Dweep, with the guidance and supervision of Shri Kathiravan E, IPS, SDPO (Swaraj Dweep).
The Police Department said the programme reflects its commitment to strengthening women’s safety and empowerment while building greater confidence among women and girls to seek police assistance whenever required.
The department has also appealed to the general public to share information relating to any crime or other illegal activity with the police. Information can be provided through 112, 03192-232100 and 03192-236641. The police have assured that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
The launch of ‘Aparajita’ in Shaheed Dweep comes amid a wider national conversation on women’s safety, with protests and legal interventions drawing attention to the need for stronger preventive mechanisms, safer public spaces and greater awareness. At the island level, the programme places emphasis on equipping women and girls with practical skills and confidence while strengthening their connection with the police.
