CRPF launches 24x7 helpline ‘Madadgaar’

Prateek Chauhan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 15

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), deployed in the Kashmir valley, has launched a helpline, “Madadgaar”, with a toll-free number 14411, the first of its kind in the Valley which has already started getting distressed calls.

The toll-free helpline is to serve the citizens of Kashmir located all over the country. The helpline will render assistance in case of women and public safety, medical emergencies, disruption of civic amenities and natural and man-made calamities.

The DIG, Operations, PS Rajora, posted in Kashmir, said over the phone, “The helpline is part of an outreach programme to help people in the Valley. Since the force is spread in every district of the state, the helpline will provide immediate help to people in distress. And even the CRPF personnel in any problem.”

The round-the-clock helpline, Madadgar, had become operational and not just limited to the Kashmir valley. Anyone could dial the helpline, from girls being harassed by road Romeos to people in need of emergency ambulance services and those getting threat calls from militants. The paramilitary force would use its fleet of ambulances and doctors to provide medical help, said the DIG.

Moreover, the helpline was also important as Kashmiri youths, who were living outside the state, could also call the helpline if they faced any harassment. And Kashmiri students facing harassment or any problem could contact on the helpline. The CRPF would reach out to them and address their grievances, added the DIG.

The helpline would not restrict itself to just Kashmiri people but also cater to the tourists and people visiting the state for the Amarnath yatra, he said.

The DIG, when asked will such steps improve the situation in the Kashmir valley, said, “The problem in Kashmir will be solved only through dialogue and development work. There is a need to restore public confidence and engage the people and make them feel that this is their motherland and the forces are here to protect them and not to disturb them.”

The ambitious effort by the CRPF is intended not only to help rebuild the lost trust and confidence of people in the forces after the pellet gun issue but also to project the humane face of the CRPF.