“Mission Blacklist”

The Kashmir Magazine: J&K Police has started Public Darbar’s from the past few months. What is the aim behind this initiative?

DGP RR Swain: It is a two-point program and is aimed to achieve double benefit. First, to resolve problems of our people, and second to get connected and closer to your people. Police is meant to serve people and this initiative is aimed to strengthen the bond between the two ends.

TKM: Police are resolute in wiping out drug peddling in J&K. Strict action has been initiated including seizure of property. How do you see it?

DGP: We believe that we have to go a long way in this direction. We are working to fetch each and every detail of those involved in drug peddling. In every district we have taken up the task vigorously. We think those involved superficially in the trade are not sinners but victims. J&K Police are trying to identify those behind the scene. In the coming three to four months, we have to map out the activities of drug peddlers at grassroots level. Heroin and other hard drug substances coming across the borders is a major challenge for us, and those found involved in it will be dealt with strictly. In times to come the J&K Police will blacklist the involved elements permanently, besides their children won’t be provided employment in future. We are committed to spoil their lives, like they spoil our youngsters through drugs.

TKM: There are thousands of SPO’s working in J&K Police. Is there any plan in the queue to regularize their services?

DGP: We are mindful that SPO’s are part and parcel of J&K Police. They are inseparable organs of our body, and are working shoulder-to-shoulder with our forces. We are providing them perks including medical assistance. We are mulling to rope them in the housing scheme also.

TKM: Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, what arrangements have been put in place?

DGP: Jammu and Kashmir being a border state, the threat will remain in place, especially when threat comes from outside borders. It is obvious that people of Jammu and Kashmir want to live their life as a law-abiding citizen. They have shunned paths of violence, stone pelting etc. They want to strengthen the law of the land, and we can’t allow elements inimical to peace to disturb the life of peaceful citizens. We are ready to deal with such threats. Terrorists and their handlers want to continue their shops but we won’t make them succeed. We want to assure people that J&K Police stand with you, whatever the situation will be. We appeal to our people to contribute to nation building. I want to assure them that J&K Police will maintain law and order and protect your business and trade.