Soft approach against militants has demoralised J&K police

Srinagar, Aug 19: Demoralised police personnel and a break down in the intelligence network has only led to more trouble in Jammu and Kashmir. The Valley has been on the boil since July 9 following the killing of Burhan Wani, the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist in an encounter.

The police in Jammu and Kashmir are today a completely demoralised force. Lists are being prepared by militant groups to target them. Their families and friends have been targeted. A police officer from the Valley tells OneIndia that the problem is that we are constantly told to take the soft approach while the militants have decided to come out hard on us.

Breakdown

While on one hand the police are demoralised on the other hand the disbanding of the three tier security grid system has also helped the militants. The three tier security grid system comprising the Army, BSF, Paramilitary forces and the local police.

While the army and the BSF shared intelligence about infiltration, it was the Jammu and Kashmir police which tracked down the infiltrators.

After Mehbooba Mufti took over as Chief Minister the army and BSF was withdrawn and restricted to the Line of Control. This meant that the army and the BSF no longer took part in tracking down militants in the Valley.

This breakdown of mechanism has resulted in lack of coordination with the local police as a result of which several militants continue to roam the streets.

This has also led to various problems for the J&K police who continue to get targeted by the militants. The lack of proper intelligence has resulted in the police being caught unaware on several occasions. To make matters worse, the police have been directed to adopt a soft approach.

However, the situation is likely to improve in the days to come. At least 73 CRPF companies that were on Amarnath duty will return to Valley and this would add to the strength of the force.

OneIndia News