BUDGAM, OCT 15: Reaffirming its commitment to people-centric policing and grassroots public engagement, Budgam Police organised a Police Community Partnership Group (PCPG) meeting-cum-Thana Diwas at Sitaharan, a remote village in Tehsil Khag, where Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Budgam, Hariprasad K K, interacted with residents and reviewed issues concerning public safety, drug abuse, cybercrime and essential civic facilities.
The meeting was attended by SDPO Magam Mohd Ashrif, and SHO Police Station Khag Mudassir Naseer. A large number of respectable citizens and civil society representatives from Sitaharan, Poshker, Drang, Nowgam, Shoplian, Shunglipora, Kokerbagh and adjoining villages participated in the interaction, providing an opportunity to raise local concerns directly before the district police chief.
During the meeting, residents appreciated the initiative of Budgam Police in reaching out to people in remote areas and providing a platform for the direct discussion of public grievances. The interaction focused on issues affecting daily life, with participants highlighting drug abuse, online cyber frauds, inadequate public transport, electricity curtailments and road infrastructure deficiencies.
SSP Budgam gave a patient hearing to the participants and assured them that their grievances would be taken up with the concerned authorities for appropriate action. He emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts between the police, civil administration and the public in addressing local concerns and strengthening the delivery of public services.
Reiterating a firm stand against the drug menace, SSP Hariprasad K K stressed that combating drug trafficking and substance abuse remained a key priority for Budgam Police. He highlighted the enforcement measures being undertaken against drug peddlers, including arrests and property attachment under applicable legal provisions, as part of the district’s continuing efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
He underscored the importance of public cooperation in identifying drug-related activities and urged citizens to share credible information with the police to help curb the circulation of narcotics and protect vulnerable sections of society, particularly youth.
The SSP emphasised that sustained enforcement, community awareness and timely sharing of information were essential to tackling drug abuse effectively. He encouraged residents to work closely with the police in identifying local concerns and supporting preventive initiatives.
Addressing concerns over online fraud, SSP Budgam informed participants that cyber-related complaints were being handled by the recently established Cyber Police Station Budgam. He stressed the need for greater public awareness regarding online financial frauds and urged people to exercise caution while sharing banking credentials, one-time passwords (OTPs) and other sensitive information.
He encouraged victims of cyber fraud to report incidents promptly through appropriate channels so that complaints could be taken up without unnecessary delay.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss public transport, electricity supply and road infrastructure issues. The concerns raised by residents were heard by the police leadership, with assurances that matters requiring intervention by other departments would be brought to the notice of the concerned authorities.
The PCPG meeting-cum-Thana Diwas formed part of Budgam Police’s ongoing efforts to strengthen police-public relations, improve accessibility in remote areas and build public confidence through direct engagement.
Emphasising the importance of community participation, SSP Budgam encouraged citizens to maintain close coordination with local police units, report suspicious activities and cooperate in initiatives aimed at preventing crime and maintaining peace.
The outreach programme highlighted the role of regular public interaction in identifying emerging challenges, improving police responsiveness and ensuring that the concerns of residents in remote villages receive due attention.
Budgam Police reiterated its commitment to accessible, accountable and people-centric policing, with continued emphasis on anti-narcotics operations, cybercrime prevention, public grievance redressal and stronger police-community partnerships across the district.
