The Police Commissioner Jahir Khan told a press conference yesterday that he has decided to shelve the planned rearmament programme of certain sections of the Solomon Islands Police Force.

Khan stated that the public outcry against the rearmament plan was exaggerated but he also acknowledges the fact that it is a highly sensitive issue.

Police Commissioner Jahir Khan said that he has already withdrawn the plan to seek Parliamentary approval of money for the re-armament proposal. Mr Khan went on to say that he has in fact withdrawn the plan about one month ago.

However, Mr Khan said that he is considering engaging Pacific Island members of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands Participating Police Force officers to provide the armed security for certain government officials including the Prime Minister, the Governor General and others.

Mr Khan said it is his duty to ensure his force provides security for government officials and people.