Police determined to eliminate crime, drug menace in J&K: DGP Swain

Jammu, Apr 03: The Director General of Police (DGP) RR Swain asserted the commitment of the Police force to eradicate criminal activities and the drug menace prevailing in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Speaking after the wreath-laying ceremony of Sub-Inspector Deepak Sharma, who lost his life in an encounter with gangsters at GMC Kathua, DGP Swain affirmed the force’s dedication to combat narcotics and gangsterism at an escalated level in J&K.
“Jammu police has escalated its fight against narcotics and gangsterism to a new level in the recent past, and we are determined to eradicate the menace as attempts are made to establish a Punjab-type criminal syndicate,” stated DGP Swain during interactions with reporters.
Sub-Inspector Deepak Sharma made the ultimate sacrifice in the encounter with gangsters inside a Kathua hospital. The wanted criminal, Vasudev, leading the ‘Shannu gang,’ was neutralized in the gunfight.
DGP Swain emphasized that the sacrifice of SI Sharma would not be in vain, and the Police force would intensify its efforts against narcotics and gangsterism.
“A comprehensive strategy is being devised to uproot the menace, as criminals are diversifying into various illegal activities such as land deals, narcotics, and bovine smuggling to exploit the growing economic activities in the region,” he added, noting the significant development initiatives in the area including the establishment of industries, AIIMS, and educational institutions.
While terming the killing of SI Sharma unfortunate, DGP Swain revealed that an operation was planned based on specific intelligence regarding the movement of the wanted criminal, who had been under surveillance following a murder three months ago.
“We refrain from disclosing further details of the incident to safeguard our ongoing investigation. Our objective was to apprehend the accused,” asserted DGP Swain, emphasizing the adherence to legal protocols.
Addressing concerns over police engagement, DGP Swain clarified that the Police force operates within the framework of the law, and it is often the criminals who initiate attacks, exploiting the constraints imposed by legal mandates.
The DGP highlighted a shift in criminal behavior, noting an increase in direct confrontations with law enforcement personnel, a departure from previous avoidance tactics.
UAPA tribunal confirms banning of JKDFP as unlawful association
New Delhi, Apr3 :The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal consisting of Delhi High Court Judge Justice Sachin Datta has confirmed the banning order of Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (Shabir Shah’s JKDFP) as an unlawful association.
The matter was conducted by Additional Solicitor General AishwaryaBhati and Advocate Rajat Nair for Ministry of Home Affairs. The confirmation order of the tribunal would now be notified by the Government in couple of days
Recently Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal for the purpose of adjudicating whether there is sufficient cause for declaring the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party as an unlawful association.
Notification issued stated that the central government hereby constitutes the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal consisting of Justice Sachin Datta, Judge, High Court of Delhi, for the purpose of adjudicating whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) as an unlawful association,”
The Government of India in October 2023 had declared ‘Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party’ (JKDFP) as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.
Press statement issued in this regard stated that, this organization has been involved in anti-national activities since year 1998 and its members have always promoted separatism and terrorist acts in India.
The members of this organization, by inciting the people, want to make Kashmir a separate Islamic state, which is prejudicial to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India.
Many criminal cases have been registered against this organization under various sections of UAPA 1967, IPC 1860, The Arms Act 1959 and Ranbir Penal Code 1932. (ANI)