J&K police try to regain people’s trust

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police have embarked on a difficult mission to build bridges with masses.

Police action on stone-pelters and protesters in the past three months has triggered a wave of anger against law enforcement agencies, particularly local police.

Police-public meetings are being held in different areas to cool tempers and help people in distress in a bid to rebuild a bond that has taken a beating in the past three months.

There have been at least four such meetings in past 10 days with senior police officers and locals participating in good numbers.

SA Watali, deputy inspector general of police, south Kashmir, recently presided over one such meeting in Kokarnag, while inspector general of police (IGP) SM Sahai attended meetings in Ganderbal and Budgam.
“IGP assured people that police would exercise maximum restraint while maintaining law and order,” a police spokesman said.

Civic officers also participated in the meetings.

Director general of police Kuldeep Khoda said the primary role of police was to maintain peace in society and ensure dignity and honour of the common man.

“Police serve as a bridge between the public and the government. We have to work with sincerity to keep the trust of the people,” he said.