Jammu and Kashmir Police

Jammu and Kashmir Police
Name	Jammu and Kashmir Police
Motto	Duty, Honour, Courage
Formed	1873
Preceding1	Dogra State Police
Jurisdiction	Jammu and Kashmir
Headquarters	Srinagar
Chief1 name	R. R. Swain
Chief1 position	Director General of Police
Parent agency	Ministry of Home Affairs (India)
Website	jkpolice.gov.in

Jammu and Kashmir Police. It is the primary law enforcement and counter-insurgency agency in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Established during the reign of the Dogra dynasty, the force has evolved through the region's accession to India and subsequent periods of conflict. Operating under the command of the Director General of Police, it works in close coordination with the Indian Army and Central Armed Police Forces to maintain public order and national security.

History

The force traces its origins to the police service established in 1873 under the administration of Maharaja Ranbir Singh. Following the Partition of India and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948, the police were reorganized under the new state government of Jammu and Kashmir. The force played a critical role during the Indo-Pakistani wars of 1965 and 1971, often supporting the Indian Armed Forces. The outbreak of the Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir in the late 1980s fundamentally transformed its mandate, leading to a greater focus on counter-terrorism operations alongside agencies like the Research and Analysis Wing and the Intelligence Bureau.

Organization and structure

The police force is headed by the Director General of Police, with its headquarters located in the capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu. The territorial organization is divided into police ranges, districts, and police stations, covering diverse regions from Kashmir Valley to Jammu division and Ladakh. Specialized wings include the Crime Branch, the Traffic Police, and the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Key operational and intelligence units are the Special Operations Group and the Criminal Investigation Department.

Ranks and insignia

The rank structure follows the standard pattern of police forces in India, as outlined by the Ministry of Home Affairs (India). Senior officers include the Director General, Inspector General, and Deputy Inspector General. Middle and junior ranks comprise Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, Inspector, Sub-Inspector, and Assistant Sub-Inspector. The rank insignia are worn on the shoulder straps and conform to national police regulations.

Functions and responsibilities

Its primary duties encompass maintaining law and order, crime prevention, and investigation under statutes like the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Penal Code. A significant portion of its resources is dedicated to counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations against groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The force also provides security for vital installations, protects tourist sites, and manages crowd control during events and protests.

Notable operations and achievements

The police have conducted numerous successful counter-terrorism operations, such as the 2020 Srinagar encounter that eliminated a commander of Hizbul Mujahideen. It played a pivotal role in the 2016 Pathankot attack investigations and the 2019 Pulwama attack response. The force has been recognized with gallantry awards including the President's Police Medal for Gallantry and the Police Medal for Gallantry. Its intelligence networks have been instrumental in preventing major attacks across the Kashmir Valley.

Equipment and vehicles

Personnel are equipped with small arms such as the INSAS rifle, AK-47, and 9mm pistol. Specialized units use equipment like night vision devices, bulletproof jackets, and communication systems. The vehicle fleet includes Mahindra Scorpios, Maruti Suzuki Gypsy vehicles, and Tata Motors trucks for patrol and rapid response. Armored vehicles, including Mahindra Rakshak and Casspir variants, are deployed in high-risk areas for operations and convoy protection.

Training and recruitment

Recruitment is conducted through the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board and direct appointments for gazetted officers. Basic training is imparted at the Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy in Udhampur and the Police Training School in Kathua. Specialized counter-insurgency training is often conducted in collaboration with the Indian Army at facilities like the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram. Officers also attend courses at national institutions like the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy.