MINSK, 29 October (BelTA) – We need to increase the use of volunteer street patrols to maintain public order and security in the country, Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he appointed his new aides in Grodno Oblast, Brest Oblast and Minsk on 29 October, BelTA has learned.
“Voluntary people's patrols have just started working but we need to make a wider use of this instrument. You know what the situation in Kyrgyzstan was. There was complete chaos. The law enforcement abandoned the streets. There was no one to defend the country. Who helped rectify the situation? Volunteer patrols. They rallied policemen, special services and the military. They set up powerful people's patrols. They needed just 24 hours to get the situation back to normal,” the head of state said.
“We need volunteer street patrols. They need to be ready to protect their houses. We, generals, riot police, and the army, will defend the country,” the president said.
He noted that mobile units of volunteer street patrols should involve former servicemen. "Look how many proposals and requests we have received from former servicemen, Afghan war veterans. Women, too, want to volunteer, want to join patrols. Why not involve former servicemen in these mobile units that can be armed? They can do a great job helping us. It is important for people to feel that they are protecting their families and their land,” the head of state noted.
