J&K Police Officers - Face Of Law Or Power?

A recent incident in Jammu shocked many when a Sikh truck driver’s turban was removed by a senior police officer during a confrontation, sparking outrage among the Sikh community. Many viewed the act as an insult not just to the individual but to the religious sentiments of the entire Sikh community. It’s not just important because it happened with a Sikh, but more importantly because this should not happen to any citizen, irrespective of their religion or beliefs, at the hands of the police in public places or even in the police station.

Police officers play a vital role in society, not only as enforcers of the law but also supposed to be as role models and civic leaders. Their behavior, ability to manage emotions like anger, and respect for citizens’ rights are essential for a healthy community. This incident reminded everyone of the serious responsibility that comes with policing and civic leadership. Police officers are often viewed as role models by the communities they serve, especially youth in the civilised world. Their actions, attitudes, and decisions are closely observed. Good police officers build trust and inspire positive behaviors.

Also, this incident is perfect example to quote sociologist Max Weber because he explained that police authority and state power are based on legitimacy—the belief and acceptance of their right to govern and enforce laws. Weber identified three types of legitimate authority: traditional (based on longstanding customs), rational-legal (based on laws and rules), and charismatic (based on personal qualities). For police, legitimacy mainly derives from rational-legal authority, meaning their actions must align with laws and fair procedures. When police respect these boundaries and act ethically, public trust and cooperation increase. However, if they behave unjustly their legitimacy and the community’s willingness to comply and cooperate can quickly decline as a case in India.

We all know that police officers face significant stress, which can sometimes lead to anger or aggressive actions if not properly controlled. Officers who participate in anger management training tend to have fewer incidents involving force, leading to safer interactions with the public. Some useful tips for managing anger in police work include thinking positively and maintaining an optimistic outlook during stressful or confrontational moments. Not taking negative remarks or resistance from citizens personally. Developing self-awareness and recognizing triggers for anger early and seeking emotional support when needed. Proper anger management not only protects the public from unnecessary aggression but also supports police officers’ mental health and job satisfaction. Unfortunately, the public perception is that police personnel, when in uniform, often assume an unquestionable sense of authority, sometimes undermining their professional training.

It is, therefore, essential that they undergo periodic refresher courses and sensitisation programs at different stages of service to ensure they become more responsive and respectful in their dealings with the people. This will help develop a more ethical and motivated police force. Police officers, through their presence and decisions in communities, naturally assume many civic leadership roles. And good civic leaders listen to all people, address public concerns, encourage participation, and promote unity. For police officers functioning as civic leaders go beyond enforcing laws. They help connect people with necessary resources, educate about safety and rights, and act fairly in resolving conflicts. Their willingness to listen, communicate, and collaborate with community members strengthens social bonds and trust.

This all underscores why anger management, cultural sensitivity, and strong civic leadership remain essential in policing. Police officers are the visible face of law, justice, and civic values in society. The J&K Police has made significant positive contributions, a fact that must be acknowledged. Further, with Amit Shah as Union Home Minister, Manoj Sinha as the Lieutenant Governor, and Nalin Prabhat as Police Chief, the present leadership enjoys a strong and credible image in the eyes of the public. The police, too, are expected to live up to this perception by serving in a manner consistent with the values this leadership represents. If, despite such stewardship, police officers cannot be positioned as role models of civic responsibility, it raises questions that need serious introspection.

 

Reframe Jammu’s Heritage Through Social Media

Jammu’s old city is still to be explored by young people of this generation. The city’s narrow lanes reflect the past, as many old traditional houses with unique doors, balconies, and roofs made of wood have stories and traditions associated with them. The layout of Jammu, a region rich in history and culture, mirrors a heritage that dates back 3000 years. The ancient Buddhist Stupa at Ambaran near Akhnoor, Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sahib near Chowk Chabootra Jammu (where Guru Nanak Sahib stayed while returning to Punjab via Kashmir), and the ancient Manwal temples in Udhampur reflect the Jammu region's diverse historical legacy, which is overlooked or not actively promoted. Even awareness of such many other tangible, intangible and natural heritage in Jammu region remains low due to several social, political, and administrative reasons in Jammu and Kashmir.

Only places like Bagh-e-Bahu, Bawe Wali Mata Temple, Mubarak Mandi, and Jhajjar Kotli have been discussed for decades. However, we have many other scenic and historical sites that are part of our heritage and deserve to be showcased to the world. Civil society, with the help of social media, now can fill this gap in today's digital age to awaken the government machinery and spread our heritage. Social media has become a powerful tool to bridge the heritage awareness gap. It can be used by all, especially the youth, to preserve, promote, and boost heritage awareness about Jammu. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), and YouTube have changed how information is shared and consumed. With millions of users worldwide and a strong presence in India, these platforms present a unique opportunity to showcase Jammu’s heritage to a wide audience.

All the places of heritage importance can be brought to life through engaging visuals and storytelling on Instagram or short videos on YouTube. Similarly, Jammu’s temples can be featured in social media posts, educating users about their architectural and historical importance. A key benefit of using social media for heritage awareness is its ability to engage younger generations because youth tend to be more familiar with global trends than with their local history. Heritage advocates can develop visually appealing, concise content that captures interest using popular platforms such as Instagram Reels. For instance, a reel highlighting the historical significance of the Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Sahib near Chowk Chabootra, Jammu, or the peaceful atmosphere of the Buddhist Stupa at Akhnoor could motivate viewers from across the world to discover these sites.

This digital interaction will nurture the importance of religious, cultural, and historical significance for our heritage and help ensure that Jammu’s cultural legacy is passed on to future generations. Similarly, platforms like Facebook allow the creation of groups where locals, historians, and visitors can share stories, photos, and experiences related to Jammu’s heritage sites. Furthermore, social media will promote community engagement, which is vital for heritage preservation. These initiatives can develop a sense of ownership among residents, encouraging them to protect and promote their cultural treasures. A campaign asking people to post images of lesser-known places like forts or temples with tags like #JammuHeritage or #DiscoverJammu could increase visibility and help build a shared story about the region’s history.

The wide reach of social media also makes it a useful tool for boosting tourism, which in turn will force the local administration to support heritage conservation efforts. Highlighting Jammu’s historic sites to a global audience with platforms like YouTube and X (Twitter) can attract travelers interested in cultural experiences. A professionally made video tour of any heritage site by social media influencers from Jammu or elsewhere could get them prominence among a new audience and further increase the region’s appeal. To enhance the impact of social media, adopting a strategic approach is essential. To make this possible, priority should be on the accuracy of historical facts with a focus on avoiding misinformation or distortion of facts. 

This is an important factor in preserving heritage because, in the name of restoration and conservation in J&K, many architectural features are being openly spoiled by using concrete and bricks at many places. The content creators should collaborate with historians, cultural experts, or organisations like The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in Jammu to ensure the authenticity of information shared on social media. For starting with such a targeted campaign to promote Jammu's heritage, educational institutions too can encourage students to undertake heritage projects and share their discoveries online, which can boost engagement and help sustain public interest. As Jammu adopts the digital age, using social media for heritage preservation can be another help to ensure that both locals and people around the world value the region's cultural legacy.