2024 saw significant improvement in security, crime control in Jammu: police

Jammu, Dec 31: Jammu achieved significant progress in security and crime control in 2024 as 14 foreign terrorists were killed this year and 13 terror modules were busted across the region, said a police spokesman.

Modules were busted all across the Jammu zone, including one in Rajouri; two in Poonch; three in Udhampur; one in Reasi; four in Doda and two in Kathua.

According to the police, the neutralization of these foreign terrorists has been a critical blow to the networks attempting to disrupt peace and stability in the region.

Additionally, constant pressure was maintained on anti-national elements.

There was a substantial crackdown on Overground Workers (OGWs), with action taken against 827 individuals compared to 282 the previous year.

Additionally, 180 individuals were detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA), higher than the 168 detainees in 2023.

The year also saw relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies and community awareness initiatives in the Jammu zone.

This year, there were 476 NDPS cases registered, and noteworthy seizures included 9 kg and 990 grams of heroin recovered from the LoC area in the Nowshera sector in April and 33 kg and 58 grams from the Jammu Bus Stand area in August, leading to multiple arrests.

Property worth significant amounts was seized or frozen in 84 NDPS-related cases in 2024, with nine cases confirmed by the competent authority, SAFEMA i.e., Authority under Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976.

In the realm of general crime, the Jammu zone witnessed a significant decline in the registration of criminal cases in 2024 (13,163) compared to the previous year (15,774). This positive trend is attributed to the relentless efforts of police personnel in maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety across the region.

Property theft cases, excluding motor vehicle thefts, saw a decrease with 944 cases reported compared to 1,321 in 2023, resulting in stolen property valued at Rs 14.18 Cr, a reduction from Rs 18.75 Cr in the previous year.

Motor vehicle theft cases also declined to 507 from 653, with the total value of stolen vehicles amounting to Rs 6.53 Cr, down from Rs 7.05 Cr in 2023.

The recovery rate for vehicle thefts stood at 47.48 percent, marginally higher than 47.38 percent in 2023. Bovine smuggling cases also decreased significantly, with 1,770 cases registered in 2024 compared to 2,600 in 2023.

Proactive policing strategies, community engagement initiatives and improved crime prevention measures, according to Police, contributed significantly to this positive outcome.

A significant step towards combating the rising menace of drug abuse was the inauguration of the Drug De-addiction Centre in Jammu, this year.

The newly established facility, equipped with modern amenities and staffed by trained medical professionals, psychologists and counsellors, offers detoxification, counseling, skill development and reintegration programmes to help patients reintegrate into society successfully.

On cybercrime management, this year 67 police personnel have undergone specialized training to handle cybercrime and online fraud cases.

This initiative is part of the operationalisation of 10 Cyber Cells across all districts of the Jammu zone. These cyber cells are now fully functional, equipped to address rising incidents of online fraud and cyber-related offenses.

The initiative, according to Police, has already resulted in the successful handling of cases amounting to a lien of Rs 4.75 Cr this year.

The launch of progressive initiatives is attributed to a multifaceted approach implemented by authorities, including intensified surveillance, strategic operations, and community engagement programmes. “This also demonstrates the effectiveness of the zone in addressing criminal activities and creating a safer environment for the people of the region,” Police spokesperson said.