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. 

Preserve Greenery In Parks

Modern urban development in Jammu is leading to the rise of ‘concrete parks.' These parks feature paved paths, play and fitness equipment, steel chairs and benches, fencing, and fountains. Most parks lack focus on improving green infrastructure in existing spaces, which makes them less attractive. As a result, they have minimal greenery, resembling metro cities with limited green spaces. This trend raises questions: Are these ‘concrete parks’ a response to the increasing demand for low-maintenance, durable spaces? Is the high cost of maintaining parks prompting a shift towards simpler, cost-effective designs? Whatever the reason, this approach reflects a trend that prioritizes convenience over sustainability, which will harm people’s health and Jammu’s environment. 

One of the most significant impacts of replacing greenery with concrete structures is the loss of trees, grass, and shrubs, which absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen while trapping pollutants in the urban areas of Jammu.  Also, such an increase in the ‘concrete parks’ contributes to the warmer surroundings and dilutes the real purpose of parks in the residential localities. Additionally, habitats for birds and insects in ‘concrete parks’ are also finishing slowly every day. In highly populated Jammu, where anxiety and sedentary lifestyles are becoming common, green areas are essential because they lower stress, elevate mood, and promote healthier mental health. So, these ‘concrete parks’ do not have the healing effects. 

When administrators prioritize ‘concrete’ over green space, they run the risk of producing surroundings that are detrimental to their citizens' mental well-being. Conventional parks with grass, flowerbeds, and trees are true places that promote leisure away from home because they provide a peaceful atmosphere and appeal to families with the elderly and kids. While building ‘concrete parks’, urban designers are looking only for a contemporary look. This change has the potential to undermine the public areas' inclusiveness. Furthermore, the absence of plants discourages use of parks because hot weather makes unshaded areas uncomfortable, which lessens their appeal.  

The disadvantages of designs that rely heavily on concrete structures could be lessened with a well-rounded strategy to satisfy urban needs while maintaining ecological and health benefits. Instead of laying tile, a permeable paving with grass and gravel system should be introduced to improve appearance and lessen heat accumulation without compromising functionality. Solutions like permeable pavements prevent deterioration of soil health as well. On the other hand, using metal public seating in summer heat is unbearable and can be replaced with benches made of stone such as granite, sandstone, or limestone. Instead of fountains, consider simple water mister to prevent insects’ growth inside nonfunctional fountains. 

Tree plantation shouldn’t be compromised, as the groundwater cycle is also getting disturbed in their absence. Traditional heritage plants, such as the Ashoka tree, Peepal, Neem, and Banyan, which hold both cultural and ecological significance, should be planted in parks. The dependence on ‘concrete parks’ by reducing green natural landscapes with artificial ones is not sensible. Parks should maintain their green colour with trees, rather than multicoloured plastics and iron equipment. 

The public parks will be successful in getting real shape by combining urban infrastructure and nature to produce livable, sustainable environments. Jammu city must prioritize green spaces, not as luxuries but as essential components of urban life. These renovations in parks in the name of urbanisation is only the substitution of green areas by forgetting nature's many advantages. The stakes are high because Jammu’s livability hangs in the balance and for this the planners and decision makers can create spaces that serve both practical needs and the well-being of current and future generations.

Tawi Riverfront To Enrich Jammu’s Heritage

Jammu has served as a cultural and spiritual hub with ancient temples, forts, and palaces that showcase the heritage of the region. The Tawi River, known as Suryaputri (daughter of the sun), is of great mythological and cultural importance to the local Hindu community. Historically, for them its banks have hosted religious ceremonies, community events, and festivals. Nevertheless, silent neglect and rapid urban development in the past three decades has reduced the river’s significance.

Nothing sensible was done in past decades to protect this dying river while encroachments and garbage dumping was going on openly for almost two decades. Currently, the Tawi Riverfront project in Jammu, inspired by the Sabarmati Riverfront in Gujarat, signifies an initiative that merges urban development with the preservation and enhancement of the river which is part of region’s cultural heritage. This project aims to transform Jammu into a lively center for tourism, recreation, and cultural activities. The Riverfront will not only enhance the urban landscape but also highlight again Jammu’s identity as the “City of Temples,” by introducing a new chapter to Tawi’s rich heritage.

The project, with a budget over Rs 530 crore, is being implemented in two phases. The first phase, aims to develop promenades, cycling paths, recreational areas, and landscaped gardens along the river. These enhancements are intended to make the riverfront welcoming and accessible for both residents and tourists. The second phase plans to establish a township on the riverbank to draw domestic and international visitors through cultural activities, commercial facilities, and advanced infrastructure.

The Tawi Riverfront will significantly enrich Jammu’s heritage by enhancing the city’s historical landmarks also as the Tawi river flows close to iconic locations such as the Mubarak Mandi Palace, Bahu Fort, and Raghunath Temple, all currently undergoing restoration as part of the Smart City initiative. The riverfront will serve as a unifying element, forming an organized heritage corridor that connects these sites. This heritage connection will amplify Jammu's cultural narrative across India by highlighting its architectural beauty and historical richness.

As per the plans, the riverfront will act as a permanent venue for hosting events such as Tawi Arti, Tawi Festival and Tawi Filmotsav, to showcase the region’s art, music, and cinema. By offering spaces for these gatherings, the riverfront will transform into a living museum of culture, where past stories are shared and new memories created. With such continuous support from the government’s, establishing Jammu as a top tourism destination won’t be tough.

This project will boost tourism, which is vital for Jammu’s growth in coming decades. Such cultural attraction will provide an appealing destination for pilgrims, history enthusiasts, and leisure visitors. At present the Tirupati Balaji temple and Jambu Zoo, are already drawing thousands of tourists, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.  Though, some experts also warn of possible ecological and social issues of this project, if not handled properly because with completion of second phase, this very large urban development can disturb local ecosystems.

For this, the government should also stress on the vital issue of protecting both the Tawi’s natural beauty and the livelihoods of nearby communities. To achieve this, maintaining clear communication with locals is essential to secure public backing to avoid problems in future as witnessed in the Katra-Vaishno Devi ropeway. By rejuvenating the Tawi River, linking historical sites, and nurturing cultural energy, it blends the past with the present and holds the potential to turn Jammu into a city where tradition and advancement coexist, encouraging visitors to explore its permanent appeal. 

Operation Sindoor Shifted Defence Strategy

When on the night of May 6-7, 2025, India initiated Operation Sindoor, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), many people started living and sharing the life of the 1965 and 1971 war days. Although this was a strategic operation that lasted only four days, it brought back equal fear of two wars, forcing many families to temporarily shift out of J&K to other states. India responded only because of the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, where 26 lives were lost in Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley. 

Named ‘Sindoor’ to honor the victims' widows, the operation symbolized India’s determination to fight cross-border terrorism effectively. Its objectives were to eliminate terrorist infrastructure, punish those responsible, and deter future attacks, reflecting a significant shift in India’s defence strategy. The Pahalgam attack was linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Groups such as LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen have historically operated from Pakistan, targeting Indian civilians and security forces. Operation Sindoor aimed to disrupt these groups by striking nine critical terror sites—four in Pakistan’s Punjab province, including LeT’s base in Muridke and JeM’s stronghold in Bahawalpur, and five in PoJK, such as the Sawai Nala and Syedna Bilal camps in Muzaffarabad. 

This operation became proof of India’s military capabilities because of deep strikes in Pakistan. Besides, this mission demonstrated highly effective tri-service coordination. The strikes successfully destroyed training camps and operational centres, reportedly eliminating over 100 militants, including high-profile targets like Abdul Rauf Azhar of JeM, associated with the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2002 murder of journalist Daniel Pearl. Operation Sindoor was executed with a focused intent, sparing Pakistani civilian targets and averting a larger conflict between nuclear-armed nations. 

Beyond military success, the operation imposed significant costs on Pakistan’s military-terrorist nexus. With this, India signaled its intolerance for terrorist sanctuaries, regardless of location, and asserted that Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities would not restrain India’s responses to terrorism. While this operation achieved its immediate aims of destruction and neutralization, heavy retaliatory shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control resulted in casualties of thirteen civilians, and 59 others were injured. This situation stressed the balance India must always maintain to prevent extensive conflict. 

Though Operation Sindoor reset deterrence and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced plans to establish a memorial in honor of the 26 victims of last month’s tragic terror attack at Baisaran near Pahalgam, it may not resolve the underlying issue of terrorism, as recruits may fill the ranks of terrorist organizations. For this, steps should be taken to create long-term solutions by preventing radicalization, and permanent international cooperation to limit terror financing, to stop Pakistan from acting against India. Moreover, there should be no delay in announcing a memorial in honor of the victims of this four-day conflict in the Jammu region as well.

Operation Sindoor has enhanced India’s stance while achieving its initial objective of disrupting crucial pro-terror infrastructure. However, completely eradicating terrorism remains a challenge that requires persistent efforts beyond just military action. For this, the government’s move to send multi-party delegations across the world for communicating India’s perspective is a right beginning. As the world’s spotlight shifts toward India with this high-level diplomatic engagement, the time has come to ‘hit smart’ to prevent the loss of innocent lives in the border areas of Jammu.

 

Congress Workers Searching Answers

The political environment in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has always been complex. Political developments following the 2024 J&K assembly elections have pushed down the Congress party in the alliance structure with the National Conference (NC). This sidelining is reflected in Congress’s choice to extend outside support instead of joining the NC-led government due to its electoral shortcomings and conflicting priorities after the election results. The NC and Congress have a history of working together in J&K, particularly during the coalition government from 2009 to 2014 led by Omar Abdullah. In the 2024 assembly elections, both parties ran as pre-poll allies under the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) banner.

NC secured 42 seats predominantly in the Kashmir valley, while Congress managed only six, five from Kashmir and one from the Pir Panjal region. Congress’s inability to capture seats in the Jammu plains marked a significant political setback. With 43 seats in the Jammu region, Jammu became a stronghold for the BJP, as local Congress leaders failed to secure victory in important constituencies, revealing its flaws during ticket distribution. Congress's high command and their appointed observers relied on unsuccessful leaders to make electoral strategies despite their past electoral losses. These local leaders were out again with arrogance and high-handedness during election days and further dented the credibility of the party.

Additionally, the NC’s strong results in the Kashmir valley further tilted the dynamics. After these losses, some Jammu Congress leaders were more worried about ensuring that the party's rebel leader (who won as an independent candidate) was not given any significant portfolio in the cabinet. This also led to a crucial disagreement regarding the distribution of ministerial roles with the NC. In turn, NC proposed one cabinet position, which Congress considered insufficient, causing it to withdraw and opt to support the government from the outside. This highlighted Congress’s diminished standing as the NC moved forward to establish the government without Congress’s direct involvement.

Principally, the formation of the alliance was built on a flawed foundation as the NC and Congress hold different perspectives on crucial issues like restoring statehood and reinstating Article 370. The NC emphasizes both as vital, while Congress supports restoring statehood, and it hesitates to advocate for the reinstatement of Article 370. This became apparent when Congress leaders did not back the NC’s Article 370 resolution in the J&K assembly.  Both parties publicly downplay any discord; however, reports of internal friction have emerged, with Congress expressing discontent over the NC’s decisions, including appointing a Deputy Speaker from the BJP.

Some J&K Congress leaders favor splitting from the alliance in J&K. This sentiment highlights frustration with the NC’s dominance. J&K Congress in-charge Nasir Hussain’s recent meeting with Omar Abdullah suggests efforts to restore relations, as Congress’s marginalization impacts the political landscape in J&K. First, it could further empower the BJP in the Jammu region. Second, without Congress’s ability to influence policy decisions, this is affecting its voters and supporters. Third, for the NC, Congress’s non-involvement helps in building its cadre in the Jammu region, which aims to repair regional divisions and represent secular interests. Congress’s future in J&K politics revolves around its ability to rebuild organizational strength. Due to Congress's fading appeal in Jammu, workers are searching for answers to the question: Who is to blame? The delicate nature of the coalition, along with Congress not being in a favorable position, necessitates rethinking, as merely opposing the BJP in Jammu will continue to backfire.

Reform Government Schools

Civil society members should resume discussions on every platform about the prevailing government education system in today’s J&K, as this is crucial for two reasons. In August 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced that it was considering a proposal requiring government employees to enroll their children in public schools. Several representations were submitted against this proposal, which may lead to its withdrawal. The representations highlighted the deteriorating learning environment, directly indicating a lack of confidence in government schools among government employees. Additionally, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced the merger of 4,358 schools under a rationalization scheme. Among these, 1,274 institutions are from the Jammu region, and 3,084 are from the Kashmir region.

Expanding educational opportunities for low-income families remains necessary in both regions. Government schools in Jammu and Kashmir require reforms to address infrastructural deficiencies, teacher-student ratio challenges, and insufficient learning environments. The new government should embrace innovative changes to facilitate a comprehensive shift that could significantly transform the educational framework. A new set of educational strategies can be tailored and implemented to tackle schooling issues for children from low-income families. The commitment to enhance public services should begin with a mission to reform government schools.

To begin with, a strategy focusing on substantial infrastructure investments should be developed. The government should increase spending in the education sector, upgrading all classrooms to international standards, with an emphasis on establishing high-tech IT labs. This would result in a significant boost in government school facilities. To provide quality education, the renovation of existing buildings and the addition of classrooms will enhance learning systems. In Jammu and the Kashmir region, numerous schools operate from deteriorating structures or lack adequate facilities. This clearly demands urgent action to ensure that every child can access a secure educational environment. 

Teacher training should be part of the strategy. Some programs should be designed to bridge the learning gap by training teachers to deal with students at various levels. This needs specialized training in modern teaching methods because teachers come from diverse educational backgrounds themselves. Considering these concerns, conducting regular competency tests for all teachers will empower teachers and would lead to better student engagement and attendance in government schools.  In addition, the new education curriculum should be introduced which emphasizes on complete growth of children instead of merely academic success. Such programs possibly will assist in reflecting that the government truly cares for the future of those children who cannot afford costly private education. 

Many resources and opportunities have been wasted before. The monitoring authorities are fully negligent and manipulate student records to conceal the real situation. Furthermore, reforms will be sustainable only when the governance approach includes transparency, and the funds are utilized effectively because corruption and inefficiency led to the mismanagement of funds openly in the past. Implementing such a model in Jammu and Kashmir would not be without challenges because J&K's education system spans both urban and remote areas. Still, if the steps are taken to implement the education reform model and adapted quickly in J&K, this could serve as the biggest example of the new governance standard. All it needs is acceptance by local stakeholders, and the political will to implement by rising above petty politics. With this mission to reform government schools, thousands of children in the J&K can shape the future of this region.