Trying to ensure peaceful democratic exercise in J&K: DGP R R Swain

Jammu, Apr 1: Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain Monday stated that Jammu and Kashmir Police was executing its role vis-a-vis law enforcement in a professional manner to ensure peaceful democratic exercise in J&K, which was passing through a historic juncture.

Asserting that in perfect coordination with the Centre and its agencies, JKP was making efforts to ensure level-playing field for all stakeholders in the democratic exercise (election process).

He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Passing Out cum Attestation Parade of 30th BRTC held at Police Training School, Kathua.

“Election process has already been set in motion. We are taking all possible steps to ensure that this process can be accomplished in a safe and secure environment. Keeping in view safety requirements vis-a-vis voters, public rallies and candidates, our all senior officers are working 24X7 in planning this and execution for the same. In perfect synergy and coordination with the central government and its agencies, we are making efforts to execute police’s duties; role of law and enforcement (agency) in this democratic exercise in J&K, which is passing through its epoch-making moments, in an apt professional manner,” DGP Swain said.

TRYING TO ACHIEVE BALANCE IN SECURITY NEEDS

In response to a question related to reduction of security staff at his residence, DGP said, “As regards reduced strength (of staff) or trimming of security resources at the residence is concerned – it has two aspects. One aspect is that the situation has changed. But another more significant aspect is that we want to provide security in a professional manner. This is our way to convey to the people or more appropriately all stakeholders that J&K Police’s resources are for the general public.”

“If we’ll use all our power and resources in the service of people; secure areas and enforce law in its perfect spirit, naturally, in that scenario, individual security will not be required,” he said.

To further substantiate his point, he drew parallel with the security drill in Europe. “Like in Europe, the police head (chief) will roam around with a skeletal staff (two security personnel or so). It is so because they have secured their area. This will be an effort of all our senior officers to create a situation where they are not required to have any security. But so far we have not reached that stage. That is why we are trying to create a balance so that we can use our resources, our personnel for (serving) people; for area (domination), law enforcement and investigation in a way that can help trim individual security or security at the residence,” DGP said.

CONSIDER SECURITY AS NECESSITY, NOT AS STATUS SYMBOL

He asserted that the JKP was mulling over prospects of assimilating technological interventions with infrastructure to bolster security needs for protected people. “Technological interventions like CCTVs integrated with available infrastructure viz., security lights and sensors will help bolster security. We are trying to maintain this kind of balance to ensure security to people or protected lots with a professional approach. Security aspects should be considered in terms of necessity and not as a status symbol,” he said.

DGP stated that the leadership in the (police) force was sensitised about the participation of women and was trying to increase their (women’s) percentage from the existing six percent.