Jammu and Kashmir director-general of police (DGP), Rashmi Ranjan Swain, emphasised the critical role of the Union Territory’s police in combating militancy, describing the force as indispensable in the ongoing struggle to reinstate peace in the region.

Amid a resurgence in militant activities in Jammu, Swain has taken a firm stance, advocating robust measures against what he terms a Pakistan-imposed “war”
on the region.

However, Swain’s statements have sparked controversy, particularly his proposal to invoke the stringent Enemy Agents Ordinance against locals suspected of aiding foreign militants, a move criticised by former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti for potentially compromising civil liberties and justice.

“Jammu Kashmir police’s recent decision of invoking the draconian Enemy Ordinance Act from the Maharaja’s (last Dogra ruler who promulgated it during 1947 tribal invasion) against its own citizens on mere suspicion of abetting & aiding militants isn’t only deeply concerning but a major breach of justice,” Mehbooba wrote on X.

The DGP on Friday regularised nine special police officers (non-permanent employees) as constables, seen as a reward for their roles in the recent gunfight in Jammu’s Hiranagar in which two Pakistani militants were killed.

“The government of India had a realisation after many days (about the police’s importance). They (Centre) are indeed working on everything and will continue to do that,” he told reporters.

“The J&K police is like a sword, people’s sword (and) if it is not properly taken care of, the victory in the war against terrorism cannot be achieved,” he said.

The DGP said the police overshot procedures to reward the SPOs before the constables and officers by fast-tracking their cases. He said it would boost their confidence.

Two militants and a CRPF jawan were killed and a civilian was injured in an encounter between security forces and militants in Saida Sukhal village in Kathua district’s Hiranagar near the International Border on June 12.

The DGP’s praise for the police has come amid concerns that the force seems to be losing its autonomy. S.P. Vaid, the DGP between 2016 and 2018, had publicly blamed the government last year for “weakening the authority of police” and alleged it could hit the morale of one lakh strong force.

“Repeated attempts by the civil administration to weaken the authority of police headquarters and the police chief has a detrimental effect on the morale of rank and file J&K police,” he had said.