Diplomat Correspondent
Mendher,DD, (DD): In a major outreach initiative, Poonch Police on Monday conducted awareness programmes on the New Criminal Laws (NCLs) across 30 villages under the jurisdiction of Police Stations Mendher and Gursai. The campaign, aimed at educating the public on key legal reforms, saw participation from nearly 2,000 people.
The Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mendher, Tussif Ahmed (JKPS), led multiple sessions in border villages such as Kanga, Ramlutta, Dharati, Sarooti, Behrooti, Sohalla, and Basooni. Addressing residents, he highlighted E-FIR and Zero FIR mechanisms, digitization of legal processes, and mandatory videography in cases of searches, seizures, and sexual offences.
At the same time, SHO Mendher, Aijaz Wani, focused on new legal definitions covering crimes against the state, organized crime, terrorism, mob lynching, and negligent acts in villages including Sakhi Maidan, Chattral, Kasbalari, Chhungan, Narol, Banola, and Juggal.
Meanwhile, SHO Gursai, Aashiq Lone, visited Sangiote, Bhattadurian, Nakka Manjari, JWG, Nar, Harni, Gursai, and Galutta, where he explained technology-driven investigation processes and the role of digital evidence in modern policing.
Incharge Police Posts of Ari, Mankote, and Balakote also played a key role, organizing sessions in Mankote, Kotain, Sagra, Balnoi, Ghani, Surhoti, Dabraj, and Langiote. These sessions focused on strengthening counter-terrorism efforts and improving trial efficiency.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Poonch, Shafket Hussain (JKPS), praised the officers for their proactive efforts in educating the public on these crucial legal reforms. He emphasized that the new laws will streamline investigations, ensure swift justice, and bolster security measures, particularly in border regions.
The initiative reflects the police’s commitment to legal literacy and community engagement, ensuring that citizens are well-informed about their rights and responsibilities under the new legal framework (DD).