He also called for protection of police stations and personnel in the insurgency-affected areas.

“We need to ensure that policemen feel safe. We have to ensure that police stations are not looted or invaded by miscreants,” he said.

Darjeeling Superintendent of Police Rahul Srivastav, who has to battle the unrest in the Hills, feels manpower should be increased to maintain law and order. “The police must also be provided with better weapons. At the moment, the standard rifle used is the .303. We also need more helmets, better bulletproof jackets as well as more police vehicles,” Srivastav said.

Several officers-in-charge of police stations told The Indian Express that housing for police personnel should be the key focus area.

“The barracks are very uncomfortable. Maintenance of police quarters should be done regularly,” said an OC.

Besides this, they asked for more transport facilities, better police hospitals, mental peace and solution to hazards associated with their jobs. “See how well maintained the military hospitals are. Lock-ups should also be upgraded,” said another officer.