In South Kashmir, Policemen Can Pay Only Short ‘Surprise Visits’ to their Families
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Policemen in Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly finding it difficult to return to normal civilian life after duty in the aftermath of the killing of three of their colleagues recently. Restrictions have been imposed on their visits home, especially after the death of three policemen on August 22, when Eid Ul Adha was celebrated.
Like army personnel, Jammu and Kashmir police personnel are allowed to pay a surprise visit of two hours in case of an emergency to the family, Director General of Police S.P Vaid said, in a statement on August 25.
Keeping in mind their safety, the policemen have to notify the stations concerned of their visits and the information about it will not be disclosed to anyone, he said.
The police are devising strategies to ensure that the personnel do not fall victim to unknown gunmen.
“It’s their right to visit their families but they have to be careful and must take precautions for their safety,” Vaid said.
With south Kashmir becoming a hotbed of militancy, police personnel in the districts of Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian face the most danger. The number of murders of politicians and political activists, and policemen and Special Police Officers (SPOs) has drastically risen in the last three months. On many occasions, they along with army personnel, have been abducted, and their bodies found later with bullet and torcher marks.
A policeman, when asked about the ‘surprise visit’ instruction, told NewsClick on the condition of anonymity that it was taken for their security and there was no real option otherwise. He added that it would be hard to not visit their families as per their choice and hoped that once the situation returned to normal, they would be allowed to move about freely.
Asking about the posters put up by Hizbul Mujahedeen in different parts of the valley, demanding that the policemen leave the force, he said they were committed to the job they had undertaken. He added that they were carrying out their duty by choice, and not by chance.
A family member of a policeman, talking to NewsClick on condition of anonymity, said, “I can always visit my son by going to the place where he is posted. I would never want him to come and meet me by risking his life. We can bear the pain of separation which is only temporary, but if something happens to him, our entire family will be destroyed.
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