Polls, Amarnath Yatra upcoming challenges for police: J&K DGP

, Jun 17: Describing the upcoming Assembly polls and Amarnath Yatra as a "challenge", the Director General of

Police today asked the personnel to serve with more selflessness, professionalism and discipline.

"The role of police during the recently-held Lok Sabha elections is appreciable, but the upcoming Legislative Assembly polls and Amarnath Yatra are the future challenges for the force," DGP K Rajendra Kumar said, addressing jawans and officers at a police 'durbar' (meeting) at the district Police Lines in Anantnag, 55 kms from here. He stressed upon the jawans to serve with "more selflessness, professionalism and discipline" to overcome these challenges.

The Assembly polls are scheduled later this year, while the Amarnath Yatra will start on June 28. Kumar, who took over as the DGP early this month, said, "The brave jawans and officers have offered supreme sacrifices of their lives while protecting the people and their properties. Due to the supreme sacrifices of our martyrs, a congenial atmosphere has prevailed in the state and we are witnessing a flow of tourists from some years." Kumar said with the cooperation of the people, the force has succeeded in eradicating the menace of militancy and restoring peace in the state.

"Promptness in deliverance at all levels and respect towards human rights would help police to gain people's confidence, which in a long run would help to achieve their cooperation in our fight against criminals and anti-social elements," he said.

The DGP said the police personnel perform their duties in difficult situations and the organization is fully aware about their problems. "Welfare schemes have been initiated by Police Headquarters and many more schemes would be introduced to lessen the difficulties of our jawans," he said. Later, the DGP chaired a meeting to take stock of the security scenario and Amarnath Yatra preparedness.

At the meeting, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, A G Mir briefed him about various arrangements put forth for smooth and peaceful conduct of the yatra. The IGP said manpower with required communication equipment has been deployed along the route of the yatra to ensure safety of the pilgrims, a spokesman said.

The DGP asked officers to maintain a constant vigil and rapport with the public to sabotage any subversive attempt. "While conducting anti-subversive operation there should be no collateral damages, besides ensuring that law abiding people are not harassed," Kumar said.

PTI