A large number of constables, head constables and assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs) from across Gujarat will congregate in Gandhinagar on Sunday to pay tribute to the 14 Maharashtra policemen, who laid down their lives fighting terrorists in Mumbai on November 26.

The Gujarat Police Head Constable/ASI Association and Gujarat Police Constable Association (both proposed) are busy making arrangements for the condolence meeting.

The Director General of Police (DGP), Gujarat, representatives of voluntary organisations and prominent personalities from different walks of life will attend the meet.

The president of Gandhinagar district unit of the Head Constable/ASI Association, Shankarsinh Chavda, told Newsline on Tuesday that the condolence meeting will be held on the sprawling ground near the Town Hall or Pathik Ashram in the state capital, with due permission from the district magistrate.

Chavda condemned the Mumbai terror attack and said: “The police in Gujarat are proud of the fact that our brothers in Maharashtra fought bravely and laid down their lives fighting terrorists. The Sunday meeting is being organised to remember and pay glowing tributes to the martyrs.”

He said the Gujarat government should take a cue from the Mumbai incident and equip the state constabulary with modern weapons and gadgetry to deal with the perpetrators of violence should a similar situation arise in any part of Gujarat in the future.

“We continue to wield the age-old .303 rifle in Gujarat, which should be replaced with AK-47s. Besides, the government should provide at least 10 bullet proof jackets and as many AK-47 rifles to each of the police stations across the state,” Chavda added.

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