Former IB officer holds lecture on cultural nuances, issues Muslims face.

The Mumbai police, with the aim to sniff out 'undercurrents' as well as understand and appreciate the cultural nuances of the Muslim community, enlisted the help of a former Intelligence Bureau officer to take classroom lectures on Islam. The orientation exercise comes at a time when the city police has drawn flak for an internal circular that directed its officials to keep an eye on certain Islamic organisations.

The day-long closed-door session at Sindhi Gymkhana was conducted by former IB officer B M Khanapure, who also trains the Special Branch and ATS. The first session saw 72 personnel from 10 police stations across Zone VI of the Eastern Region. DCP Lakhmi Gautam (Zone VI) said this was the first such initiative to sensitise field officers.

"Some of us are not adequately informed on the subject of Islam. There is so much to know and understand on the points of differences between various sects. Sometimes this leads to conflict," said Gautam. "The lecture was designed to help understand the undercurrents and identify tell tale signs. This helps in identifying what can lead to law-and-order situation and be better equipped."

The zone though avoided involving a preacher in the first lecture as they could come with "coloured perceptions" which might give a biased view. "Besides, we wanted someone who has worked in conflict areas. The IB officer has worked in conflict areas in J&K and Kerala," he added.

The lecture dealt in issues in the communities and differences between various sects. It also gave special emphasis on cultural nuances. "Many a time, small triggers have just been about not being aware of the customs, which can inadvertently hurt the community's sentiments," said Gautam.

A majority of residents in the eastern suburbs, especially in zone VI, is Muslim. "This helps officers to know the community and read their issues better," said Quaiser Khalid, Additional Commissioner of Police.

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