||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh July 23,2025 ||

In the present era where transparency and public accountability are gaining traction, there is growing discontent over the functioning of the police machinery in Jammu . Despite visible efforts by top officers to project an image of integrity and reform, a clear gap remains between official narratives and the harsh ground reality. The problem is not with intent at the top, but with how deeply compromised the system has become in its execution.

Officers like the IGP, DIG, and SSP Jammu are widely acknowledged for their honesty and commitment to their duties. Their efforts to maintain law and order, and their openness to reforms, are recognized by many. However, that commitment is often diluted by the actions of officers down the chain who appear to function more on hearsay and influence rather than evidence and professionalism. Despite efforts to improve public trust, the police force continues to battle the perception—and in many cases, the reality—that many of its appointments and postings are still driven by patronage rather than performance.

A major concern remains the growing influence of so-called “godfathers” in deciding key postings. Officers with questionable service records or without notable professional achievements continue to land crucial assignments, thanks to their political or bureaucratic backers. This practice has demoralized honest officers and compromised the foundational principle that professional excellence should be the sole criterion for elevation within the force.

At the same time, the security situation on the ground remains deeply troubling. Crimes like land grabbing, shootings, drug trafficking, and financial frauds have become increasingly common. Even more disturbing is the widespread public perception that certain police officials are either turning a blind eye or are directly involved in benefiting from illegal activities. The growing wealth of some officers—far beyond their known sources of income—has raised serious questions about the influence of mining mafias, liquor syndicates, and drug cartels. These networks are now seen as deeply entrenched and operating with impunity, often with tacit protection from within the system.

The state of infrastructure and human resources in most police stations further weakens the fight against crime. Many police stations are functioning without adequate staff or sanctioned strength. Despite this, district SSPs are forced to manage daily law and order situations, investigations, and administrative duties under extreme constraints. While the practice of holding daily crime reviews has been introduced to improve oversight, in many instances, it has become a symbolic exercise—more focused on data and compliance rather than meaningful results or sustainable reform.

Field-level officers face growing pressure. Those who are honest and want to work professionally are increasingly isolated, while officers with political backing or flexible ethics often thrive. There is little incentive for merit-based performance, and even less protection for those who try to raise concerns. The resulting environment is one of growing frustration and silent dissent.

Despite the honest image projected by a few senior officers, professional policing in Jammu and Kashmir is under serious strain. Unless the system is overhauled to ensure merit-based appointments, adequate manpower, strict internal vigilance, and independence from political interference, the concept of honest policing will remain a mirage. The current situation demands not only introspection but decisive action to restore public faith in law enforcement. Without that, the gap between perception and reality will only continue to widen.