'No Stick-Waving': Omar Abdullah's First Directive to J&K Police
In a significant move, Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, instructed the state police to adopt a gentler approach while managing law and order situations. Known for his diplomatic stance, Abdullah’s directive came during a recent meeting with senior police officials, emphasizing a shift away from aggressive crowd-control measures.
The instruction, which Abdullah described as a step toward "humane policing," urged officers to refrain from using batons and unnecessary force, particularly during public gatherings. This decision marks an attempt to build a positive image of the police force in a region where heavy-handed law enforcement has often been criticized.
Sources close to the administration reveal that Abdullah’s order is rooted in his vision to create an environment of trust between the public and the police. By encouraging dialogue and patience over confrontation, the directive is seen as a strategy to ease tensions in a region long troubled by unrest.
While supporters hail the move as progressive and people-centric, critics question its practicality, arguing that it could hinder the police’s ability to manage difficult situations. However, the new approach reflects Abdullah's intent to rebuild a sense of normalcy and promote peaceful coexistence in the region.
The directive, if implemented effectively, may reshape the interaction between the state machinery and the people, fostering a more stable atmosphere. Whether the strategy will sustain under pressure remains to be seen, but it undeniably sets a new tone for J&K's policing.
