May 26:The Zonal Police Headquarters (ZPHQ) Kashmir today organized a one-day training and awareness programme on Inclusive Policing for Persons with Disabilities, with a special focus on the newly introduced criminal laws. The session was held at the Police Control Room, Kashmir, in collaboration with expert resource persons from iProbono India and the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
The programme was coordinated by Shri Jaasir Ashraf Mir, Senior Prosecuting Officer, ZPHQ Kashmir. It began with a welcome address by Ms. Sleet Shah, JKPS, Deputy Superintendent of Police Headquarters, Srinagar.
The session featured insights from distinguished speakers including Mr. Iqbal Lone, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, J&K. Ms. Kaurvaki Mohanty (Program Manager, iProbono India), Ms. Shrutika Pandey (Program Officer, iProbono India) and Advocate Hasnain Khawja.
A total of 72 police personnel from across the Kashmir Valley participated in the training. The programme aimed to sensitize law enforcement personnel to the rights and needs of persons with disabilities, with a focus on their duties under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act) and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Speakers emphasized the significance of inclusive practices in policing, highlighting special procedural safeguards, legal reforms, and the application of new criminal law provisions while dealing with persons with disabilities—as victims, witnesses, or accused. Emphasis was also placed on fostering sensitivity, autonomy, and respect for the dignity of persons with disabilities within the policing framework.
On behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Shri Jaasir Ashraf Mir extended a vote of thanks to all the participants and resource persons for their active involvement and valuable contributions.