Time and again, Jammu and Kashmir Police has come forward to help masses in crisis. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterating on the need for nationwide lockdown and social distancing, J&K Police jumped onto the bandwagon with innovative strategies. Security forces including healthcare workers are the “coronavirus warriors” fighting day and night to keep everyone safe while risking their own lives. A high-level meeting was chaired by DGP J&K Dilbagh Singh right after PM Modi announced a nationwide lockdown on March 24. He reviewed the ground situation and advised all officers and jawans to be extra careful in handling the prevailing situation. The directions regarding Community Policing and alerting the general public about coronavirus were issued. Following the directions, Jammu and Kashmir Police launched several innovative techniques to help people stay at home. Policemen lead from the front by launching Doorstep delivery programme, setting up Control rooms, issuing helpline numbers and enforcing social distancing on the ground. Police also requested all religious leaders to inform people not to gather at places of worship. And, in order to encourage voluntary disclosure of travel history, Panchayat Raj Institutions and volunteers were also roped in for door to door appeal to trace out such travelers. In several such initiatives, Samba Police distributed fruits among slum dwellers, RS Pura Police ensured social distancing outside ATMs, Shops, Anantnag police distributed ration among laborers and marginalized Kashmiri families following social distancing norms, Poonch Police distributed food among destitute and beggars. Despite the repeated warnings, some people unaware of the consequences of this deadly virus chose to roam on roads and when they were punished with sit-ups, squats on the road or beaten for flouting restrictions, some chose to label this approach as ‘violent and insensitive’ without understanding the reason behind such strict behavior. This is the time to cooperate with our authorities to avoid the spread of coronavirus, we must act responsibly and stay at homes while allowing our police and healthcare fraternity to help the needy. The number of Covid-19 cases has already climbed to 979 in India today with the death toll rising to 25, according to the Union health ministry. And since you are safe at your home, follow Jammu and Kashmir Police on different social media handles and check the latest information published by the authorities. Follow hashtags like #JKPCARES, #StayHomeSaveLives to stay abreast with the latest news. Policemen are not only risking their lives, but they have also pledged to contribute to dealing with Covid-19. Jawans are contributing one-day salary while officers will be giving their two-day salary for J&K Relief Fund for fight against coronavirus pandemic. Stop criticizing them and do not forget that we are greatly indebted to our police forces for working tirelessly and enforcing lockdown in this crisis. As PM Modi rightly mentioned, Coronavirus can be defeated through Karuna i.e., compassion, so let us be more encouraging and compassionate to boost the morale of our heroes for tackling coronavirus.
