By: Waris Fayaz
Srinagar: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, North Kashmir Range, Maqsood-ul-Zaman on Thursday said that without peace, no meaningful development can take place.
DIG Zaman was speaking at a public gathering at Dak Bungalow Sopore. He said, “Sopore is not what it used to be. It has achieved peace, and with that, the path to progress is wide open.”
“Peace is a prerequisite of development. Until there is peace, development remains elusive,” DIG Zaman said, citing the transformation of Sopore — once a militancy-hit region — as a powerful example.
The senior police officer nostalgically referred to Sopore as “Chhota London,” saying the town had immense potential. “Had it not witnessed years of disturbances, it might have even become a full-fledged district by now,” he said.
DIG North Kashmir assured the public that the police force is operating under strict directions from the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to work with a humanitarian approach. “We have been clearly instructed to ensure that no innocent is harmed, but at the same time, those indulging in criminal activities will not be spared. For this balance to work, public cooperation is essential,” he said.
On the issue of police verifications, often a concern for job and passport applicants, the DIG reassured. “The government has a sympathetic and youth-friendly policy. A committee has been formed to scrutinize cases thoroughly, ensuring fairness at every level,” he said.
Zaman added that in today’s digital age, the system is increasingly transparent. “Everything is visible. We can’t bluff the system, and no one else can either. This transparency is leading to faster justice delivery and will eventually change public perception,” he said.
Encouraging civic engagement, the officer urged people to come forward with complaints if they feel that any police official or government employee is not performing their duties properly. “If you have grievances, put them up. Everything will be addressed. The only thing needed is faith in the system,” he said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police North Kashmir, Maqsood-ul-Zaman assured the deployment of dedicated traffic police personnel in the town.
DIG Zaman made the assurance during his address at an event held at Dak Bungalow Sopore.
While acknowledging the pressing need for better traffic regulation in the region, the DIG stated, “Sopore will soon have its own dedicated traffic cops.” However, he added that effective traffic management is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement. “It’s ultimately a self-realisation—only challans by enforcement agencies won’t work,” he stated.
DIG Zaman stressed that without public cooperation, even a robust police presence would fall short of ensuring smooth vehicular movement.
He appealed to the residents of Sopore to actively participate in maintaining traffic discipline by adhering to rules and regulations. “The police can’t single-handedly achieve success. It’s a collective responsibility, and everyone must contribute to restoring order on the roads,” he added.
Pertinently, Sopore town, considered as the second largest town and a business hub is without traffic cops, with the daily commuters, particularly employees and students facing hard time due to frequent traffic jams during peak hours.
Locals while speaking over the issue alleged that despite strict orders from the administration to ensure no traffic jamming during peak hours in the town, authorities have failed to regulate traffic mess. (KNO)
Peace key to development: DIG North
