BAFLIAZ, Oct 9: Reaffirming the importance of public participation in maintaining peace and security, a Police-Community Partnership Group (PCPG) meeting was held at Government Higher Secondary School, Bafliaz, under the chairmanship of Dr. Ajay Sharma (JKPS), Additional SP Poonch, with a focus on tackling drug abuse, strengthening counter-terrorism efforts, ensuring women’s safety and preventing cybercrime.
The meeting was attended by Shashi Kant, DySP DAR/In-charge DySP Surankote; SHO Surankote; CRPF and SOG personnel; police officials; public representatives; social activists; ex-servicemen; religious representatives; and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ajay Sharma appreciated the active participation of the community and emphasised that timely and credible information from citizens was essential for maintaining peace and security. On the drug menace, he stressed the need to identify and apprehend major suppliers and peddlers while promoting de-addiction, rehabilitation and counselling for individuals willing to reform.
On counter-terrorism, the Additional SP cautioned that anti-national elements could exploit drugs, weapons, religion and other sensitive issues to mislead and influence youth. He urged residents to promptly report suspicious individuals, movements and activities and firmly advised against providing shelter or assistance to terrorists.
Acknowledging the role of local residents in earlier counter-terrorism operations, including Operation Sarpvinash, he stressed enhanced vigilance, effective intelligence gathering and timely sharing of information, particularly given the security challenges posed by the area’s hilly and difficult terrain.
He also called for public cooperation in reporting illegal mining, unauthorised tree felling, encroachment and illegal clearance of forest or mountain land. Expressing concern over bovine smuggling, he directed the concerned officers to adopt a zero-tolerance approach and take strict legal action against offenders. Regarding local disputes, he encouraged residents to resolve minor issues peacefully wherever possible and avoid unnecessary escalation.
Emphasising women’s safety and empowerment, Dr. Sharma informed participants that Women Help Desks were available at every police station and urged women to approach the police without hesitation. He requested Tahira Tabassum, Ex-Sarpanch Bafliaz, to facilitate visits by women to Police Station Surankote to familiarise them with police functioning and build confidence in seeking assistance. He also encouraged greater participation of women in community-police initiatives.
On cyber safety, he cautioned residents against sharing OTPs, passwords, email credentials and other sensitive information with unknown persons. He stressed the need to report cyber fraud, blackmail and the unauthorised circulation of private videos or recordings without delay. Parents and community leaders were urged to guide young people away from drugs, terrorist propaganda and the harmful use of mobile phones, encouraging constructive activities instead.
Prominent participants, including Imran Khan, Mandal Pradhan and BJP member; Jameel Khan, Sarpanch Draba; Manzoor Khan, social activist and ex-serviceman; Zarina Butt, Ex-Sarpanch Chandimar; Hafiz Nasir, Maulana of Bafliaz Masjid; and Tahira Tabassum, Ex-Sarpanch Bafliaz, shared their views on drug prevention, security, women’s safety, cyber awareness and community cooperation.
The participants appreciated the police’s outreach efforts and assured their continued support in maintaining peace and preventing crime. They suggested stronger action against drug suppliers and peddlers, improved rehabilitation and counselling facilities, regular PCPG meetings and public darbars, and greater awareness regarding the misuse of communication applications.
The public also raised the demand for organising a cricket tournament in Bafliaz Block, which was noted for consideration by the concerned authorities.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening police-public coordination, combating drugs and terrorism, protecting women and children, promoting cyber awareness and maintaining regular interaction between the police and the community.