Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha Wednesday advocated comprehensive measures to deal with “radicalisation of youngsters” in the Union Territory, saying “terror elements” from thousands of miles away are trying to infiltrate a large section of the society with the help of “rabid propaganda”.
Addressing policemen on the occasion of the Police Commemoration Day at Zewan on the city outskirts here, Sinha hailed the Jammu and Kashmir Police for maintaining law and order and dealing with militancy in the Union Territory.
“Indoctrination is not limited to an individual taking up a gun after brainwashing by terror outfits, but with the help of rabid online and offline propaganda, terror elements sitting thousands of miles away are trying to infiltrate a large section of the society,” the LG said in his address.
He said as a part of “comprehensive counter-radicalisation measures”, there must be a well-coordinated, community-supported platform to publicise and propagate the sensible voices against militant ideology.
“Our strategy on counter-radicalisation and de-radicalisation must be inclusive and should involve community elders to promote the message of peace, prosperity and harmony,” Sinha said.
He called for a regular change in strategy to deal with militant-funding.
“To deal with terror-funding, there is a need to change our strategy regularly so that we tackle it with a comprehensive response,” the LG said.
He said cyber-patrolling and round-the-clock monitoring of malicious content on the dark web is another challenge, but asserted that the police and other security forces are capable of formulating an effective mechanism to deal with it.
“As far as I know, they are already working on several aspects. We must have in-house expertise to analyse social media content, which will also help in increasing public outreach. I would suggest regular district-level workshops on the use of social media and communication skills,” he said.
Hailing the Jammu and Kashmir Police for maintaining law and order and at the same time, dealing with militancy in the Union Territory, the LG said he is sure that the force will continue to safeguard the reputation and pride of the country.
“Apart from maintaining law and order in Jammu and Kashmir, you are fighting the terror inflicted by our neighbouring country. I know you will continue to safeguard India’s reputation and pride. I think the police’s message that innocents will not be touched, but criminals will not be spared is enough for those spreading terror in the country,” he said adding “don’t touch the innocents and don’t spare the culprits.”
The commemoration parade is observed every year across the country on October 21 as a mark of respect and remembrance of martyrs, who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
Police Commemoration Day is the day to remember the spirit of 10 personnel of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) “who sacrificed their lives while protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation against the Chinese Forces at Ladakh on October 21, 1959. The day is also dedicated to martyrs of Jammu and Kashmir Police who have laid down their lives in the line of duty,” he added.
“On this day, I bow to the great martyrs who fought till their last breath to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the country. Their supreme sacrifice will be eternally etched in the memory of people of J&K and the nation. We salute our immortal heroes and their unparalleled courage,” the LG said.
“Today is an emotional day for me personally. This day fills my heart with emotions,” he said, adding “although we cannot repay the loss of a beloved family member, we can try to facilitate family members of the martyrs through education, employment and other relief measures. It is my responsibility to take welfare measures for our policemen and their family members.”
Speaking on some recent reforms, the LG observed that the ex-gratia relief of policemen and SPOs has been increased since 2018 and other pay disparities have also been resolved.
