BJP MLAs from Jammu meet IGP; flag law and order, drug menace issues
Jammu, Jul 31: A delegation of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs from district Jammu Thursday called on Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu zone, Bhim Sen Tuti to flag issues of immediate concern pertaining to law and order, rising drug menace, bovine smuggling and sale of banned nylon kite thread.
The delegation comprised MLA Jammu North Sham Lal Sharma, MLA Suchetgarh Prof Gharu Ram Bhagat, MLA R S Pura Narinder Singh, MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa, MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi, MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta, MLA Marh Surinder Kumar, MLA Akhnoor Mohan Lal and MLA Bishnah Rajeev Bhagat.
Following the meeting, Sham Lal Sharma, while responding to media persons' queries, said the legislators raised several pressing issues related to public safety, security and effective policing, especially in the Jammu region.
“Of four major points of concern raised was the increasing drug abuse among youth. The MLAs urged the Police to intensify operations against drug trafficking, conduct surprise raids in hotspots, and work in collaboration with educational institutions and NGOs to launch awareness and de-addiction campaigns,” Sham Lal Sharma said.
He said that the BJP MLAs emphasised the need for stronger coordination between the Police and the general public to enhance trust and ensure better law enforcement. They recommended regular public meets; the revival of Mohalla Committees and increased visibility of beat officers.
Another significant issue discussed, according to MLA Jammu North, was the “rise in anti-social and criminal elements operating in both urban and rural pockets.”
The BJP leaders, he pointed out, stressed the importance of proactive intelligence input, cyber monitoring, and swift legal action to curb any activities aimed at disrupting public peace and order.
“The meeting was held in a constructive and result-oriented atmosphere, where the BJP leaders conveyed their concerns and suggestions on behalf of the people of their respective constituencies. The delegation also brought up the persistent problem of bovine smuggling, especially during night hours, which posed a serious threat to peace and communal harmony,” he said.
BJP legislators called for more robust night patrolling, the establishment of special checkpoints on highways and other areas, and the use of drone surveillance in vulnerable zones.
“We also expressed serious concern over the widespread use of Gattu or Manjha thread (synthetic kite-flying string), which caused numerous injuries and fatalities, particularly among two-wheeler riders and birds,” Sham Lal Sharma said.
He pointed out that though ban on the sale and use of such dangerous material was in force yet strict enforcement through market inspections and punitive measures against violators was desired immediately.
The delegation also highlighted the importance of improving women and senior citizens’ safety through dedicated helplines, patrolling units and a quick response mechanism by the Police.
The BJP leaders recommended coordinated action between the police, traffic authorities, and municipal bodies to ensure smoother vehicular movement and pedestrian safety.
