“The leaders approached the police personnel with a request of clicking picture with them while putting stars on their uniform”
K Koushal
Two prominent leaders of Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP), including its J&K president, have evoked strong criticism and scorn, after their pictures of Pipping Ceremony, during the Attestation cum Passing-Out-Parade of Deputy Superintendents of Police (Dy.SsP) (Prob.) and Probationary Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) went viral on social media.
J&K BJP President, Ravinder Raina and former MLA from Ramnagar constituency, Ranbir Singh Pathania were seen alongwith couple of newly passed policemen, including women officers, posing as if they are putting the stars on a police personal’s uniform.
First appeared on the official Facebook page of the J&K Bhartiya Janta Party, the pictures spread like the wildfire and was mocked by every individual, questioning capacity of the duo in carrying Pipping Ceremony in the presence of Lieutenant Governor and other dignitaries.
“This is mockery of the system. In the presence of Lieutenant Governor, Advisors and other dignitaries, how politicians carried out the Pipping Ceremony,” questioned netizens, claiming that this is ‘misuse’ of power.
A senior police officer, wishing anonymity said that first of all if you observe the list of invitees, it belongs to a particular party, which shows the inclination of the administration.
“Leaving aside LG, most of the invitees were from a particular party, which gives the wrong signal in the public. It should have been a heterogeneous list. The Pipping Ceremony should have been done by the Lieutenant Governor himself or by the Director General of Police,” said a senior police officer, adding that interference of political leaders should have been avoided.
However, sources from SKPA Udhampur maintained that the duo did not actually put stars on police personnel’s uniform, except a couple of them.
“The leaders approached the police personnel with a request of clicking picture with them while putting stars on their uniform,” said sources, adding that they did not speak on the occasion and neither they took salute, but yes, they approached the newly passed police personnel to put stars on their uniform, in the presence of Lieutenant Governor.
Meanwhile, a retired officer termed the episode as an appeasement approach. “Passing out parade at PTA. Police functions are to please politicians and own fraternity is avoided. Is it for safe posting”, questioned retired officer.
“Police politicizsed. Bad for society. Police had become puppet of politicians. Is it for lucrative postings”, further questioned the retired police officer on social media.
Earlier, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha while speaking at the Attestation cum Passing-Out-Parade of Deputy Superintendents of Police (Dy.SsP) (Prob.), 13th Batch and Probationary Sub-Inspectors (PSIs), 24th Batch at SKPA Udhampur stated that public service and sacrifice is the proud legacy of Jammu and Kashmir Police. The feeling that a common man should feel safe and secure and live his life without any fear is in the DNA of JKP.
A total of three DySsPs (Prob.) and 583 PSIs, including 553 males and 30 females completed their rigorous training today at SKPA. Oath was administered to the passing out cadets for performing their duties with dedication and honesty.
At the outset, the Lt Governor took the Rashtriya Salute and inspected the Parade, besides taking the salute at an impressive March Past by Men and Women contingents.
Lauding the JKP personnel for doing commendable job in ensuring safe and secure environment for the people of J&K, the Lt Governor observed that securing National Unity & Integrity through counter insurgency operations; maintaining peace, law and order is not merely a duty but a strong resolve for Jammu and Kashmir Police Personnel. The J&K Government is committed to supporting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in each and every possible way, he added.
Many times, security experts talk about “Last Man at the Post”. They are those officers and constables of the police who are posted at the frontline for maintaining law and order, their work is not just limited to controlling crime in an area, but also to share good and difficult times with the people, the Lt Governor observed.
“Police is required everywhere, in quarrels of neighbours, at schools, markets, to open roads of the city, in Villages, during festivals, and in counter insurgency. Police are always there to serve people facing traditional as well as modern challenges. Police are there to protect the harmony in the society along with securing unity and integrity of the nation. I salute your passion and love for the motherland”, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor asked the young officers of Jammu & Kashmir Police that effectively tackling new challenges like Cyber Crime and Radicalization would prove to be a benchmark of your strength and ability.
When tried to contact J&K BJP President, Ravinder Raina was unavailable for comments.
