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| Policing needs constant improvement: DGP | | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Sep 15: Ready to take the up the challenges of counter-insurgency as well as normal policing, the Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda puts the estimated number of militants operating in Jammu and Kashmir at 2000. Outlining priorities, the new DGP says that modernization of the police force with advanced weaponry and communication systems will change for good the entire course of policing.
In first ever detailed interview after becoming the DGP, Khoda said "there cannot be any let up in anti-militancy operations because the terrorist infrastructure was intact across the border and agencies across the LOC continued to hold the strings of violence in their hands."
In reply to another question, the DGP said, "it will not be possible to ascertain the exact number of militants operating in the state. Rough estimates reveal that about 2,000 militants are operating in Jammu and Kashmir. Hence the deployment of security
forces is in response to the intelligence inputs, presence of militants and their likely plans. As long as militants remain active we have to remain alert and carry out operations against them. Hence the strength and volume of the security forces is not directly related with the number of militants but depends on several other factors."
The DGP said, "the process of adding to our numbers and equipping the police force with latest weaponary, mobility and communication system will continue."
He said that the Union Home Ministry has "always been responding to our requirements. Police modernisation and financial assistance from the centre for security related works have given a boost to our efforts in controlling the activities of terrorists and for bringing down militancy related violence."
When asked whether reduction of troops could allow a chance to militants to extend their bases in the state as was witnessed during the non initiation of combat operations in 2000 by the Government of India the police Chief evaded a direct reply. He said "without
going into the specifics I am for building pressure on terrorists for restoring peace in the state. Deployment of police and security forces has always remained dynamic depending on the need."
He agreed that welfare of policemen and their families was of primary importance. Proper housing, adequate emoluments not only cater to meeting their basic requirements and of their families but also help in building their morale." He disclosed that the centre sanctioned Rs.42 crores for the current year for developing housing facilities for the police. As far as modernisation of weapons was concerned enough has been done in this sector and majority of "our men" no longer have to fight militants with .303 guns but with assault rifles and SLRs.
The process of equipping police with sophisticated and better weapons will continue.
Field reports indicate that the police in the state is not demoralised as had been witnessed between 1990 and 1996.The credit for boosting the morale of the police force and for building their nerves for taking on the militants was being given to Mr Gurbachan Jagat, who was brought from Punjab to head the organisation about 10 years ago.
Khuda's message to people and militants is crisp but loud. He has advised those engaged in disturbing peace in the state to shun violence because by now they may have realised the futility of the gun culture. He has suggested to people to continue to cooperate with the police so that new vistas of peace and progress were opened enabling the educated youth to get gainful employment.
Policing, he said, was a process of "catering to the requirements of people and ensure peace. Police have been constantly working for improving its image. There is a difference between firmness and rudeness. We have to be firm in dealing with law breakers and helpful to law abiders. My men have shown great improvement in respecting human rights.
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