Worried villagers in Kishtwar’s Dachhan area have demanded the recruitment of local youth as Special Police Officers (SPOs) following the killing of two SPOs to bolster the security environment and restore a sense of security among the community.
Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar, who camped in the area and also attended the last rites of SPO’s Babi Chand and Rashpal Kumar on Friday, specifically demanded the recruitment of 12 youths from the affected village to strengthen the security in the area.
Lashing out at the senior police officers, who arrived at the residence of the deceased SPO’s, Parihar said the brave foot soldiers, who laid down their lives in the line of duty to protect us, have been disrespected. “Today you have arrived to pay homage only after the matter was escalated before the office of the Lieutenant Governor”, she said, while offering to stay away in protest against the treatment meted out to the deceased SPOs before they were cremated with full honours in their native village. Seeking a thorough probe in the matter, Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar said information about the movement of two SPOs in the Dacchan area was leaked by some people to the terrorists and demanded the identification and arrest of such people. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma noted that locals are questioning the earlier removal of Special Operations Group (SOG) pickets and the decision to send SPOs through dense forest terrain without sophisticated weapons.
Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma also visited Kiyar village in Dachhan and met the families of two martyred SPOs. He listened to their grievances and demands and assured them of necessary attention and support during this difficult time.
LoP J&K Assembly, Sunil Sharma said, “Following our discussion with the LG yesterday, during which we pointed out that no senior official had yet visited, the IG and DIG arrived today and visited both households.
The local people are understandably outraged. There was a demand to strengthen the local security post. Furthermore, there were requests for immediate government support as well as a thorough investigation into the incident.
Sharma said, “The IG has provided assurances regarding these matters, and we are hopeful that these steps will be taken.”