Gullible police fall for PAD's tactical ruse

The PAD leaked a story on Thursday about how it was going to divide the protesters into nine battalions and then follow designated routes as they marched to Government House.

Like the public, the riot police fell for the bait and divided their forces in response to the reports.

But instead, the PAD divided up their protesters into just four groups, and by the time the police were aware of the changes, they did not have enough time to make the necessary adjustment to their plan.

The PAD's strategy succeeded in getting their protesters just metres away from Government House in less than two hours from the moment they set off on foot from Makkhawan Rangan Bridge, near the United Nations building.

Moreover, according to government officials observing from the side, the police dispatched to Government House yesterday were made of up men from various units, including those from the outer provinces.

He said they did not appear to be as enthusiastic or eager to carry out their duties, and would not resort to using force to contain the protesters from marching within metres of Government House.

According to the source, the police did not seem to be aware of the urgency or the magnitude of the problem and appeared less than eager to use force against the protesters.