Srinagar: After tackling youth protests
in the Valley for three consecutive summers, Jammu and Kashmir
police have embarked on a massive civic action programme to
channelise energy of the younger generation in positive
endeavours.
"We have set up 41 youth clubs across the state,
mostly in Kashmir, in order to give youths the avenues to
channelise their energy in a positive manner," Director
General of Police Kuldeep Khoda said.
The clubs, one of which was set up in Nowhatta
locality here, a hotbed of stone-pelting, earlier this
week, are equipped with computers, Internet facility, books,
periodicals and a gymnasium, Khoda said.
"The main aim of setting up these youth clubs is to
keep the youth away from subversive activities and work
towards a better life for themselves," he said.
The police initiative comes as the authorities here
are trying to avoid the repeat of last year's situation when
unrest gripped the entire Valley, leading to the death of over
110 youths and injuries to thousand others, including nearly
4,000 security force personnel.
He said as part of the civic action programme, police
have constructed eight mini stadia in various parts of
the state.
"This will also help the youth in nurturing their
sporting skills and pursue their dreams. We want to facilitate
their quest for bringing laurels for themselves and the
state," he said.
The other major initiative for maintaining law and
order in Kashmir has been the introduction of community
policing.
"Community policing has been introduced to establish
strong contacts with the society in general and youth in
particular," Khoda said.
He said a committee of respectable persons has been
formed in the jurisdiction of all 174 police stations in the
state for implementing the community policing programme.
"A meeting is held between police and the committees
to get the inputs on how we can improve the policing in
respective areas. We also seek suggestions how to better reach
out to the people in times of need."
On the issue of deaths in last summer's unrest, the
DGP said police have taken cognisance of the all the incidents
that took place.
"We take cognisance of every allegation of human
rights violations whether it comes directly to us, through
SHRC, NHRC or any other agency. Similarly, cognisance has been
taken of last year's incidents also but to fix responsibility
for these is a matter of investigation," he added.
Police have also organised series of T20 cricket
tournaments for the youth and the response so far has been
overwhelming, a senior officer of the department said.
He said demands have been pouring in from other parts
of the state for holding similar tournaments.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, June 19, 2011, 13:50