A senior leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a sharp critique against the Jammu and Kashmir Police, accusing the force of significant inefficiency in handling critical issues of terrorism and what he termed 'love jihad'. The allegations were made during a press conference held in Jammu.
Allegations of Police Inaction and Inefficiency
Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, who serves as the spokesperson for the BJP's Jammu and Kashmir unit, did not mince words in his assessment of the police force's performance. He stated that the police have failed to effectively counter terrorism in the Union Territory. Furthermore, he alleged a severe lapse in addressing cases of 'love jihad', a term often used by right-wing groups to describe interfaith relationships they claim are a form of religious conversion.
Chrungoo specifically pointed to the recent terror attack in the Sewa area of the Jammu region, questioning the police's preparedness and response. He argued that such incidents highlight a broader pattern of failure in intelligence gathering and proactive security measures.
Demand for High-Level Probe and CBI Investigation
The BJP leader's criticism extended beyond mere allegations. He called for concrete administrative action to address what he perceives as systemic failures. Chrungoo demanded an immediate and high-level probe into the overall conduct and performance of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
Taking his demand a step further, he urged the government to hand over the investigation into terror-related cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This, he believes, would ensure a more impartial and effective inquiry into the networks behind terrorism in the region. His statement implies a lack of faith in the local police's ability to conduct thorough investigations.
Context and Political Ramifications
The public criticism of a state institution by a senior member of the ruling party at the national level carries significant political weight. It brings the issues of internal security and policing in the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir back into sharp focus. The demand for a CBI probe suggests a desire for central oversight into security matters of the UT.
Chrungoo's remarks are likely to spark debate and potentially create friction between the political establishment and the police administration. The allegations of inefficiency in tackling both terrorism and 'love jihad' frame the critique within two highly charged and sensitive topics in the region's socio-political landscape. The police department has not yet issued an official response to these specific allegations.
As the situation develops, the central and UT administrations may face pressure to review security protocols and the performance of law enforcement agencies. The call for an external investigation by the CBI sets the stage for a potential jurisdictional shift in how major terror cases are handled in Jammu and Kashmir.
