Senior Officer Clarifies DGP's Controversial Statement on Regional Parties

A senior police officer clarified that DGP R R Swain's statement about regional parties' connections with terrorist leaders might reflect his personal view. The DGP had claimed Pakistan's influence during peak militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Additional DGP Vijay Kumar emphasized the J&K Police's apolitical stance amidst backlash from political parties.

A senior police officer on Wednesday clarified that DGP R R Swain's statement on regional parties hobnobbing with terrorist leaders might be his personal opinion, as Jammu and Kashmir Police is an apolitical force.

On Monday, the director general of police (DGP) had asserted that Pakistan had infiltrated all aspects of civil society in Jammu and Kashmir during the peak of militancy and that regional parties had leveraged connections with terror leaders for political gains.

Swain's controversial remarks drew sharp responses from political entities, with the PDP calling for his removal, citing the heavy losses incurred by security forces over the past 32 months.

Speaking to reporters, Additional DGP Vijay Kumar said, ''J&K Police is a professional, apolitical, and impartial police force. The statement of the DGP might reflect his personal view.'' Kumar, who has been at the forefront of anti-terrorism efforts over the past four years, was in Zadibal to supervise arrangements for the Muharram procession on the day of Ashura.

He expressed satisfaction with the preparations and praised the civilian volunteers for ensuring the smooth passage of the procession.