Killing ultras won’t wipe out militancy: Mehbooba
Real test is not in using guns but dealing with the people on the streets.
MEHBOOBA MUFTI, J&K CM
JAMMU: Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti asked the Jammu and Kashmir police force to focus on social policing to win hearts of the people. She said, “Real test is not in handling SLRS and AK-47S but how to deal with a 9-year old or an 80-year old on the streets.”
Addressing a passing out parade at SPS Police Training College in Kathua on Wednesday, she said that it was the biggest test before the pass-outs and the state police.
“Besides other issues, Jammu and Kashmir has its own problems that require wisdom and caution. I am proud of the state police force because despite provocations it works with utmost restraint and responsibility. I salute them,” she added. The chief minister said that the state was faced with tough circumstances where security forces including police have to face stones and bullets.
“Despite tough circumstances, I hope that all of you will perform your duties with an aim to protect life and property of the people. We have Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and other sects in the state and you have to maintain a balance,” she added.
Mehbooba also dropped a veiled hint on the ‘Kashmir dispute’, saying “police has to end militancy in Kashmir but by eliminating militants, militancy will not end. We have to understand the real problems and reasons responsible for it.”
She also said that her government recently announced amnesty to first time stone throwers. She said, “They are children aged around 14-15 years. They are minors.. what would you do to them. They have to be treated like children.”
“Police has to do their parenting. We have to be their friend,” Mehbooba Mufti added.
The chief minister also said that she has requested the home minister to provide ex-gratia relief to the state police personnel at par with CRPF.
“The state government has increased its share but we also requested the Centre to bring the compensation for the state policemen at par with CRPF,” she said.
She also talked about rising drug addiction, another aspect of militancy, which has gripped the youth of the state.
She lauded the police force for its role in curbing the menace and said that every district should have a police drug de-addiction centre.
Mehbooba expressed her concern over rise in crime and violence against women in the state and asked the police to help them.
“I am happy that we have come up with women police stations but the staff is not adequate yet. Women feel comfortable before female police personnel,” she said.
She asked district SPS to look into their grievances and resolve them with an aim to save their families and homes.
CM ORDERS WITHDRAWAL OF CASES AGAINST 4,327 YOUTH
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday approved the withdrawal of cases against 4,327 youth involved in 744 cases for disturbing law and order.
This follows the recommendation of a high powered committee headed Director General of Police which submitted its report to her on Wednesday.
Mehbooba Mufti began the review process for youth from 2008-2014.
104 cases involving 634 youth were withdrawn within two months of her assuming power.
The process, unfortunately, got disrupted due to the continued violence and unrest for later part of the last year.