In an attempt to make passengers of Delhi Metro more secure, especially women, a group of women commandos of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been given training in Filipino Martial arts.
This elite group of female commandos, capable of neutralising a threat using innocuous objects like pen, belts or hairpin, will now patrol coaches and stations of Delhi Metro to ensure the safety of passengers, especially the fair sex. Troublemakers and miscreants had better watch out!
The lethal squad of 25 CISF commandos have been imparted rigorous training in the Pekiti-Tirsia-Kali (PTK), a form of unarmed combat skill used to counter multiple attacks at a time by the use of common objects usually worn on the body.
Pekiti-Tirsia’s movements are based on the traditional blade art of the Philippines, emphasising on the counter attack while not getting hit.
Commissioning the first batch of trained CISF female commandos, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) MD Mangu Singh stated at the training facility that both DMRC and CISF are fully determined to give security for the passengers especially women.
He said that these trained women commandos would act as a morale booster for the women passengers, a majority of who are working professionals and commute at odd hours. Applauding the initiative, the passengers too have given a thumbs-up.
“It is definitely a good step. More such steps should be brought forth, including a curriculum in school and colleges to ensure that women can protect themselves in times of distress,” says Priyanka Sharma, a daily commuter.
“This would act as a deterrent against troublemakers and it has certainly boosted our confidence,” said Aarti Chauhan, a school teacher.
Speaking to Metrolife, the public relations officer of CISF, Hemendra Singh said, “Most of the female officers have late duty hours and such forms of martial arts techniques would not only ensure passengers’ security but also help to guard and secure them too.”
“Objects like hairpin, pen, shoelaces and belts would be used as a tool for counter-attacking the rogue elements,” he said, adding “ the commandos are already posted on Metro stations across the city including at the airport”.
“These women have been given training in this special martial art as it ensures less harm to the suspect and he/ she is neutralised quickly. In sensitive cases, we need the suspect alive so that he can be interrogated for further leads. These women personnel would patrol Metro stations and coaches,” said HV Chaturvedi, CISF Inspector General (North) during the event.
A demonstration by female commandos will be held today (September 4) near Indraprastha College in North Campus, University of Delhi.
The PTK technique is used to train commando units and Special Forces in more than 60 countries. The female officers have been given the rigorous training of 50 days before commissioning the first batch. “This will be a continuous process and more batches will be commissioned soon,” Hemendra Singh said.
