CM: Adopt community policing to track crime

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 20

Asking the police to be more relaxed and humane in dealing with the situation, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today advised the force to act as an institution of public reassurance rather than a cause of fear among the masses.

Addressing district superintendents of police (SPs) and range DIGs of Kashmir province here today at a meeting to review law and order and crime situation, the Chief Minister asked them to adopt social and community policing to track the crime in the state. She said a compassionate and responsive approach with the population of law-abiding citizens would automatically isolate the criminal elements in society. This attitudinal change, she said, would make crime eradication easier and also improve the image of the force in the eyes of the public.

Director General of Police SP Vaid while briefing the Chief Minister about the law and order situation in the Valley, also flagged the issue of space constraint for officers and constabulary in the cities and towns.

The Chief Minister was informed that so far 60 youth had been rescued by the police from joining anti-social networks after persistent efforts.

Asking the SPs to enhance their public outreach in their respective areas, Mehbooba directed them to periodically visit the distant and far-off areas of their districts to get a feel of the needs and difficulties of people.

Replace ‘bhang’ with cash crops: Mehbooba

• Mehbooba Mufti asked the Chief Secretary to work with the Agriculture Department for introduction of some cash crops in the areas where "bhang" was presently being cultivated
• Expressing concern over the crimes against women, Mehbooba sought a detailed feedback about the functioning of women police stations set up last year in the province