Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda on Sunday said Home Guards too are part of the police force.

He was speaking after reviewing a parade by Home Guards who had completed a 10-day basic training programme here. Mr. Gowda said Home Guards also have to wear uniform, participate in parades, and follow discipline on the lines of police personnel. At no point of time should they feel they are engaged in temporary duty, he said.

As the Assembly elections are fast approaching, Home Guards will be drafted to various election-related duties, he said, expressing hope that they would shoulder more responsibility. Presiding over the event, Home Guards District Commandant Murali Mohan Choonthar said the unit is providing a dedicated and disciplined force to the police after they complete the 10-day training.

Earlier, Home Guards in four platoons participated in the parade led by Ramesh Bhandari, K. Sathish, and Thyagavalli. Deputy Commandant Ramesh and Staff Officer Usha were present.