Self-defence classes for students inaugurated by Nilgiris police

Nilgiris SP inaugurates self-defence classes for young women, including school and college students, as part of "Project Agni."

The Nilgiris district superintendent of police, N.S. Nisha, on Wednesday inaugurated self-defence classes for young women at the Government Nursing School in Udhagamandalam.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Ms. Nisha said that the self-defence classes were being taught to school and college students from across the Nilgiris. Dubbed “Project Agni,” Ms. Nisha said that classes had already been organised for over 500 school students in 10 schools in Gudalur Devala, primarily from Adivasi communities.

“It is a self-defence programme, targeted at benefitting girl students, from both private and government schools and college students,” said Ms. Nisha. She added that the classes would also be held for nursing students, health workers, doctors and anganwadi workers. “We have already seen health workers facing issues in other States. So, it is a safety precaution to teach them self-defence techniques to employ if they are in danger,” said the SP.

“However, they will also continue to have police support and protection,” she added. “At the same time, we want young children and women to be able to face any situation. So, in order to ensure some level of independence, we are conducting these classes,” she said.

Two self-defence academies have been tasked with conducting the classes for students across the district, with female police personnel being assigned to classes to oversee the training.

Ms. Nisha said that classes will be held for all school students across the district, followed by a “refresher” course.