Shiv Sena (UBT) protests against rising crime in Jammu

Jammu, Feb 02: Shiv Sena (UBT) Jammu-Kashmir chief Manish Sahni on Sunday expressed concern over the rising crime rate in Jammu, saying the “City of Temples” has devolved into a hotbed of criminal activity and narco-terrorism.
His remarks came during a protest organised by party leaders, who gathered to voice their concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the region.
The protest, held under Sahni’s leadership, saw participants holding placards with slogans such as “Unsafe Jammu” and “Why are so-called well-wishers of Jammu silent?” The demonstration aimed to highlight the perceived decline in police effectiveness and to rekindle a sense of fear among criminals.
Sahni referred to a recent robbery at a jewellery store in the upscale Greater Kailash area—where armed assailants made off with approximately Rs 1.5 crore—as indicative of the rising crime wave. “This incident marks the third criminal event in that locality within the last ten days. Residents have also expressed fears about safety on the newly constructed ring road, where robberies have become increasingly common, particularly after dark,” he said.
The protest comes in the wake of multiple violent incidents, including a recent shootout between criminals and police in Miran Sahib and the murder of ‘Sumit alias Gataru’ in broad daylight at Jewel Chowk. Sahni criticised what he described as a failure of the police, saying that “Jammu has become a stronghold of heinous crimes, including murder, gang wars, and drug addiction”.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the apparent inaction of local politicians, particularly from the BJP, whom he accused of being mute spectators to the crisis. To further address the situation, he demanded a thorough investigation and police verification of illegal markets and makeshift bazaars run by outsiders in areas such as Trikuta Nagar.
In a show of solidarity, Sahni offered the services of Shiv Sainiks as volunteers to help combat crime and restore order to the city. “Every member is willing to contribute to safeguarding their people. The police force’s connection to the local populace has deteriorated since coming under the Union Home Ministry,” he said.
Sahni called for collaborative efforts between civil society and law enforcement to restore safety in the region.