Jammu, Feb 06: National Conference (NC) Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Thursday expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Jammu, saying criminal elements have become emboldened, carrying out shootouts and burglaries in broad daylight.
“Such brazen acts of crime have sent shockwaves among the people, especially housewives, elderly citizens, and children, making them feel unsafe even within their own homes,” he said while addressing a workers’ meeting at Kathua.
Sadhotra said that criminals appear to have no fear of law enforcement, as they continue their sinister activities against civilized society without any deterrence. This situation reflects serious lapses in policing and governance, due to dual control, leading to an atmosphere of insecurity, he said while holding the BJP responsible for alarming and deteriorating situation.
The former minister referred to the reports of excessive use of force and harassment of Makhan Din in police custody in Billawar leading to his suicide and the killing of Waseem Ahmed Malla, allegedly by the army under circumstances not yet entirely clear, saying such incidents instil sense on insecurity and fear among the people.
He hailed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for ordering the J&K government’s own inquiry to bring out the truth as the present government is helpless to tackle such situations due to dual control.
Referring to the political and administrative changes following August 5, 2019, the NC leader said there must be a course correction to undo the damage caused by those decisions. “The revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood has weakened governance, leading to a situation where crime and lawlessness are on the rise,” he said, adding that the situation is going out of control, and the administration must take immediate and effective measures to address it.”
Sadhotra sought full statehood to be restored, and the democratically elected popular government to be empowered to effectively tackle the worsening law and order situation, ensuring fast-track development, combating burgeoning unemployment and fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
He called for clear directives to control the rising crime rate and emphasised that strict action under the law must be taken against criminals. He said a visible policing strategy must be implemented to restore the people’s confidence in law enforcement. “Public safety must be prioritised, and it must be ensured that the rule of law prevails,” he added.
