Smartphone overindulgence blamed for weapons snatching in J-K; on-duty sentries banned from using it

Blaming overindulgence in use of smartphones by police personnel for spike in weapon-snatching incidents in the Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir police has banned use of such gadgets by its sentries during duty time.

The order, issued by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Armed, A K Choudhary, yesterday, said the tendency not only lowered the image of the police, but also compromises with personal security of individuals.

"It has been observed that recent weapon-snatching incidents have occurred due to the reason that sentries on duty remain engaged with their smartphones for most of the time thereby compromising with their legitimate duty. This tendency has considerably increased and resulted in weapon snatching/killing of police in the state, particularly in the Valley," it said.

The tendency not only lowered the image of police organisation, but also compromises with personal security of the individuals, the order states, adding, "This speaks volumes about lack of supervision and sensitization of lower subordinates with inputs and overall security situation in and around a particular area."
According to the order, "All the guards shall introduce improvised alarm system. All the guard personnel shall remain available round the clock in their respective guard rooms in a state of alertness and in proper uniform during day-time."
Unit duty officers shall take hourly situation report from all company commanders and all guard personnel shall ensure compliance with the standing drill in letter and spirit, the order further read, adding, "They shall have liaised with nearest district police installations/ SFs (security forces) pickets."