OVER 1,000 probationary police officers, including 62 deputy superintendents of police, of Jammu and Kashmir police (JKP) are undergoing a six-week long training at the Army’s counter-terror White Knight Corps battle school in Doda district. The integrated training programme is said to be a first of its kind in the Union Territory which has seen three decades of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a recent interview, said the government has plans to pull back troops from Jammu and Kashmir and leave law and order to the Union Territory’s police alone. “We have plans to pull back troops and leave law and order to the Jammu and Kashmir Police alone. Earlier, the Jammu and Kashmir Police was not trusted but today they are leading the operations,” he had said.
According to police, the integrated training programme was aimed at enhancing the coordination and combined operational capabilities of both forces, which for over three decades have combated terrorism side by side. The training is focussed on operational tactics, intelligence sharing, and counter-terrorism strategies, drawing on the Indian Army’s extensive experience in these fields.
The synergy achieved during training will pave the way for the restoration of peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. This will also facilitate the police in emerging as a more potent and well-trained force. Successful counter-terrorism operations in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and the strategic containment in north Kashmir’s Sopore, are considered a transit for infiltrating terrorists. These operations have not only disrupted terror activities but also restored law and order, paving the way for peace and stability.
The operations are also testaments to the collaborative excellence of the Army and police. The integrated training programme is expected to solidify this partnership, leading to even more effective counter-terrorism operations.