‘We will discharge our duties without bias’ CP replies protesters

While noting that the police frown at any form of protests under any guise even as elections are around the corner, the command called on individuals and groups planning such and their sponsors to jettison their plans as it was fully prepared to use all legitimate means to avert such protest.

The command held that allegations and counter-allegations were expected but the police being apolitical will discharge its duties without bias.

“War-mongers, troublemakers, persons, groups or groups intending or planning to cause, create or execute any act of violence before, during and after the primary/gubernatorial elections should, in their interest, leave the State quietly and peacefully.

“The Police and other security agencies in the state will secure a level playing ground for all political parties, politicians and all the eligible electorates to exercise their franchise while we will not hesitate to deal decisively and within the ambit of law, with anyone, group of persons who attempt to foment trouble and in the process disrupt the smooth conduct of the elections.

“Though all allegations and counter-allegations are not unexpected, it is pertinent to state clearly here, that the police is apolitical, and we will discharge our duties without bias or favour to any person or persons regardless of their political affiliation,” the statement said.