Srinagar, The populace of Baramulla district in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with significant challenges due to persistent poor cellular network connectivity. This issue has become particularly aggravating for the residents, affecting various aspects of daily life, from education to healthcare and employment, especially during adverse weather conditions like rain and snow.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the residents, especially those in Gantmulla Bala village, face severe network disruptions that hinder not only routine communications but also critical services such as online education, remote medical consultations, and telecommuting. The situation exacerbates the difficulties in accessing essential information and services, leaving the community feeling isolated and neglected.
Despite repeated complaints to the relevant authorities, the grievances of the Baramulla district residents seem to go unheeded, with little to no improvement in the cellular services. This lack of reliable communication infrastructure is part of a larger issue within Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, where internet and network shutdowns have become a common recourse for the Indian government, often justified on security grounds.
These frequent shutdowns have been widely criticized by international human rights organizations and local civil society groups, highlighting the negative impact on the fundamental rights of the residents, including access to information, education, healthcare, and freedom of expression.
Lahore, In a comprehensive review of the law and order and crime control measures, Inspector General of Punjab Police, Dr. Usman Anwar, chaired a video conference, lauding the police force’s exceptional performance during the 2024 general elections. The IG emphasized the Punjab Police’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and prioritizing crime control under all circumstances.
According to Punjab Police, Dr. Anwar praised the collaborative efforts of Regional Police Officers (RPOs), City Police Officers (CPOs), and District Police Officers (DPOs) for their excellent service in ensuring the smooth conduct of the elections. He reiterated the force’s determination to apprehend notorious criminals and miscreants, especially those operating in the Kacha area.
Highlighting the advancements within the department, IG Punjab pointed out the integration of state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest IT technology within a short span. He issued directives to expedite the construction of new Safe Cities, Saiban, Smart Police Stations, and Traffic Offices, ensuring they meet their designated timelines. Dr. Anwar also mentioned the establishment of an effective financial support system for the upkeep of special initiative police stations, emphasizing the supervisory officers’ role in preserving their functionality and aesthetics.
Moreover, Dr. Anwar detailed the enhancements at border check posts and inter-provincial checkpoints with modern technology and thermal cameras, positioning the Punjab Police as a formidable barrier against terrorism. He proudly announced 41 new welfare projects aimed at benefiting all police employees and the families of martyrs.
During the conference, attended by Additional IG South Punjab, RPOs, CPOs, DPOs, and other officers, the IG reviewed ongoing strategies for law enforcement and public service projects. He instructed continuous intelligence-based operations to eradicate organized crime across districts and the effective utilization of modern technology in criminal apprehension and public service delivery.
IG Punjab underscored the importance of maximizing welfare relief for the police force, calling for the optimization of resources to enhance operational efficiency and welfare. The meeting, which also saw the participation of DIG Operations Waqas Nazir and AIG Logistics Ismail ur Rehman, concluded with a unified resolve to uphold law, order, and the welfare of the police community.