In the wake of killing of six policemen by militants, anger among the police forces against the government has come to the fore with many officers taking to the social media to vent their feelings.
Following the killings, some officers have taken exception to the government’s response. They questioned the Police department’s move to force all policemen to donate a day’s salary for the welfare of families of victims, alleging inappropriate response.
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“Why deduct our salary? Why shouldn’t the government give at least ₹1 crore to each family? Are we fighting for ourselves or government? Our men give blood, face bullets and stones. Now we should give money too,” a senior police officer wrote in a WhatsApp group in a rare outburst by the police.
Another officer wrote that “a martyr lays his life for the state and it should be duty-bound to honour his family by supporting him.” “We die and pay from our own pockets,” the officer added.
Welfare measures
The police officer also questioned the welfare measures of the department. “Not that I am not willing to donate. Take a month’s salary, what is welfare section doing? Why do we need to go with begging bowl for our martyrs?” asked another.
The police officers’ stand was backed by junior officers, in an apparent growing anger against the State government for its “callous” attitude towards a police force, which is working in difficult conditions with militants going after it. Policemen in J&K have also been seeking a union, which has been barred so far.
Bullet-proof vehicles soon
All police stations in south Kashmir will be provided with bullet-proof vehicles. This comes after six policemen were killed in a militant attack last week, and amid reports that slain police officer Feroz Dar had placed repeated requests for such vehicles, which were reportedly turned down.
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