LoP Sunil Sharma seeks risk allowance for J&K police

Kupwara, Nov 17: Leader of Opposition and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sunil Sharma on Monday said J&K Police operate under far greater risk than police forces in other states and deserve a dedicated risk allowance in recognition of their year-round high-risk duties.

Sharma made the remarks after he, along with BJP leader Ravinder Raina, visited the home of Inspector Asrar-ul-Haq at Muqam-i-Shahwali in Kupwara to offer condolences to the bereaved family.

He said that while police in states like Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha primarily handle routine law-and-order matters, the Jammu and Kashmir Police perform dual responsibilities—regular policing as well as counter-insurgency and anti-terror operations.

“Jammu and Kashmir Police do not deal with routine policing alone. They confront terrorism alongside normal duties, making their work far more dangerous than that of other state forces. They must be given a proper risk allowance, and we will raise this demand at the appropriate platform,” Sharma said.

Expressing deep grief over Inspector Asrar-ul-Haq’s death, Sharma said the loss was not just for the family but for the entire nation. “He has left behind young children. This should not be politicised,” he added.

Sharma said the Government of India had already ordered an investigation into the incident and urged National Conference leaders to refrain from politicising the matter.

He also called for Kupwara Chowk to be renamed *Shaheed Inspector Asrar Chowk* and for the local Higher Secondary School to be named in honour of the slain officer.