'Akharas' now part of community policing initiative in Delhi

In yet another community policing initiative, Delhi Police has tied up with 'akharas', traditional training centres for wrestlers, to reach out to youths and to prevent them from drifting toward criminal activities.
Under the "YUVA scheme", North Delhi Police is positively utilising the potential of the youths associated with these 'akharas' by organising sports competitions and 'peace marches' in the area.
One such peace march was recently organised in the Delhi University during student union elections which helped maintain law and order amid a high-voltage campaign, police said.
Scores of youths from 10 prominent 'akharas' of the area including Chandiram and Chatarsal have been roped in.

The district police has organised sports events like 'Tug of war' and 'Kabaddi'for the youths from these 'akaharas'.
"With mentoring programmes for youth like Yuva we get an important opportunity to positively impact the lives of young people throughout our community.

"It gives purpose and direction to youngsters prone to crime on one hand and bridges the gap between police and community on the other," Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Madhur Verma.
Officials are of the view that these activities will help develop positive outlook among youths of the area.
Also, the bonding between police and these youth will be handy in case of any law and order situation.

"They would also be our eyes and ears in the community," said Verma.
Delhi Police's 'Yuva' scheme has been launched to engage youngsters in creative and sports activities to keep them away from criminal activities.The scheme also helps them get jobs.
In central district, police urged jeans factories and hotel associations to employ local youths.
In southeast Delhi, police have started an initiative to provide youths coaching for competitive exams.