J&K Police advise personnel to avoid visiting hometowns

COMES AFTER A DOZEN INCIDENTS OF ATTACKS ON FAMILIES OF COPS IN KULGAM AND SHOPIAN IN SOUTH KASHMIR

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, on Sunday, issued an advisory to its personnel to avoid visiting their hometowns “for the next few months”, following incidents of multiple attacks by militants on the residences and family members of the cops in the recent past.

The advisory issued by the police headquarters referred to the recent incidents in the Kashmir valley where militants have cause damage to the life and property of police personnel and their families.

“In view of these unfortunate incidents, police personnel, particularly those from south Kashmir, are advised to exercise extreme caution while visiting their homes,” the advisory said.

It further added, “They should preferably avoid visiting their homes for the next few months as their personal security is of paramount importance.”

The police advised all heads of various formations to brief their officers and men regarding the anticipated threat.

The advisory follows over a dozen incidents of attacks on families of police personnel in Kulgam and Shopian in south Kashmir.

The family members of police personnel deployed in anti-insurgency operations were threatened and asked to persuade the uniformed men to quit service.

The first incident of militants entering the house of a police personnel was reported in March when Hizbul Mujahideen militants threatened the family of a deputy superintendent of police in Shopian.

The unprecedented incident had sent shock waves through the police force, prompting Jammu and Kashmir director general of police (DGP), SP Vaid, to issue a warning to militant groups.

Vaid had said, “This is between police and militants and families should not be brought into this conflict.”

He had then wondered what would be the reaction of the militants if the police started threatening and intimidating their families.

“If the police start doing this, what will happen to their families?” he had then asked.