Jammu, Jan 28: The Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu and Kashmir unit on Tuesday demanded an end to the dual power system in the region and the restoration of state status. The party also called for bringing the police force under the J&K government’s jurisdiction to ensure better accountability.
During a program at its state central office, the party’s J&K chief Manish Sahni addressed the growing concerns over security and public safety, particularly in the Jammu division, which he claimed is adversely affected by the dual governance structure. He said 2024 has already seen terrorist attacks in 8 out of 10 districts within the division, despite its reputation as a peace-loving area.
“The rising incidents of crime, drug trafficking, gang wars, cow smuggling, and crimes against women are alarming,” Sahni said. He referred to a recent daylight shooting in Jammu City, where suspects escaped and police failed to make arrests, raising public apprehension. “This incident has contributed to an atmosphere of fear among residents, with police labelling it merely a common gang-related occurrence,” he added.
Sahni criticised the absence of a response from the Lieutenant Governor regarding these pressing security issues, saying there is an increased difficulty in questioning police actions in the assembly without prior approval from the Lieutenant Governor. “What kind of democratic system is being imposed on Jammu and Kashmir?” he asked.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader urged the Central government to eliminate the rule of the Lieutenant Governor in Jammu and Kashmir, restore the region’s state status, and bring police operations under local governance to ensure accountability and effective law enforcement.
