Jammu Under Siege: Gang Wars, Shootouts, and Rising Crime Shake the City

Another Day, Another Attack – Criminals Open Fire in Mandal Area

||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh February 04,2025 ||

Jammu : The law and order situation in Jammu is spiraling out of control as yet another gang-related shootout took place today in the Mandal area, under the jurisdiction of Satwari Police Station. Armed criminals in an Alto car chased and fired at Arun Choudhary and his associates, who were traveling in a black Scorpio N and a Wagon R. As per Choudhary’s statement, 5-6 shots were fired, though fortunately, no injuries were reported.

This shocking incident comes amid a wave of violent crimes that have left residents in a state of fear. With broad daylight murders, armed dacoities, and attacks on police officers becoming disturbingly frequent, many now believe that Jammu is on the brink of a full-scale gang war.

A City Gripped by Fear: How Safe Is Jammu?

Residents and businesses in Jammu are growing increasingly anxious as organized crime spirals out of control. In the past few days alone, the city has witnessed:

• The broad daylight murder of Gattru, sending shockwaves across the region.

• A daring dacoity in Greater Kailash, where two unidentified criminals looted a business.

• A shootout in Marian Shaib, where criminals opened fire on a police party, injuring one individual with a criminal background.

The increasing brazenness of these crimes has raised serious concerns. What was once a relatively peaceful city is now witnessing a surge in gang violence, targeted killings, and shootouts, with criminals seemingly operating without fear of the law.

Business Community Demands Action, Arms Licenses for Self-Defense:

Fearing for their safety, business leaders and traders have met with senior police officials and the administration, urging urgent intervention. Their primary demand? The fast-tracking of arms licenses for eligible citizens who have been cleared by police and intelligence agencies.

With crime syndicates growing stronger and law enforcement struggling to keep up, many believe that self-defense is now a necessity rather than a choice. Business owners, who often become prime targets for extortion and robbery, feel particularly vulnerable in the current situation.

The Drug Connection: How Narcotics Are Fueling Crime in Jammu

Many law enforcement officials believe that the growing drug trade is the driving force behind Jammu’s rising crime rate. Narcotics smuggling has become a significant threat, with gangsters operating under the influence of drugs, committing violent crimes to fund their illicit activities.

Sources suggest that organized criminal networks are using narcotics to lure unemployed youth into their ranks, creating a vicious cycle of addiction and crime. Heroin, synthetic drugs, and opium-based substances are reportedly being trafficked into Jammu, contributing to the rise in gang rivalries, murders, and violent robberies.

Political Pressure on the Administration to Act Swiftly:

The crisis has now caught the attention of political leaders. Today, Leader of the Opposition and Kishtwar MLA Sunil Sharma met Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha to discuss the deteriorating security situation.

Sharma expressed serious concerns over the increasing incidents of gang wars, dacoities, and thefts, stating that the people of Jammu no longer feel safe in their own city. He urged the administration to:

1. Crack down on criminal syndicates operating in the city.

2. Take strict action against drug peddlers fueling organized crime.

3. Implement stronger police patrolling and surveillance in crime-prone areas.

4. Allow law-abiding citizens to arm themselves for self-defense.

Police and Administration on High Alert, But Is It Enough?

In response to growing public outrage, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have stepped up operations to combat the rising crime wave. Authorities have:

• Increased night patrolling and security checkpoints in vulnerable areas.

• Launched special raids to track down gangsters and drug dealers.

• Formed task forces to investigate recent shootouts and criminal activities.

However, despite these efforts, gangsters continue to operate with impunity. Critics argue that law enforcement is struggling to contain the crisis, as criminal elements appear to be well-funded and well-organized.

What Next? Citizens Demand Urgent Measures

Jammu’s residents are now demanding immediate and strong action to prevent the city from descending into a full-blown gang war. The key demands from the public include:

1. A citywide operation to dismantle organized crime networks.

2. A major crackdown on drug trafficking to cut off funding for gangs.

3. Tougher laws and faster trials for gang-related crimes.

4. Installation of CCTV cameras across crime-prone areas.

5. Immediate steps to strengthen community policing and intelligence networks.

With tensions rising and crime rates soaring, Jammu is at a crossroads. If urgent action is not taken, the city risks becoming a hub for organized crime, threatening not just public safety but also its economic and social stability.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Jammu can reclaim its sense of security or fall further into the grip of gang warfare.