Jammu, In a significant display of public unrest, residents of Mendhar, located in the Poonch district of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, have launched protests against what they describe as the authorities’ indifference to a severe water crisis affecting the area. The crisis has notably impacted the town, leaving many without access to drinking water for an extended period.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protests were led by social activist Basharat Ahmed and saw the participation of residents from the Shiv Mandir and Fire Station locality near Darana Chowk. The protesters voiced their frustration with the authorities’ prolonged neglect of the water scarcity issue, which has left the community in dire straits. Broken water pipes have exacerbated the situation, depriving locals of drinking water for more than six months.
The demonstrators, who raised impassioned slogans to draw attention to their plight, emphasized the timing of the crisis as particularly egregious, coinciding with the commencement of the holy month of Ramzan. This has forced residents to travel long distances to fetch water, further compounding their hardship. The protest underscores a growing demand for accountability and action from officials in Mendhar, who are accused of negligence in addressing the critical water shortage.
Lahore, In a significant move to bolster the security of courts across Punjab, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar has issued directives to increase the protection of judiciary premises, citing the unacceptable nature of disruptions due to unnecessary protests. The announcement came during a high-level meeting at the Central Police Office, where the IGP emphasized the judiciary’s protection as a paramount concern.
According to Punjab Police, Dr. Anwar has mandated a comprehensive security audit and a revamp of the existing security plans for courts across the province. The instructions highlight the critical need for ensuring uninterrupted court proceedings and maintaining a peaceful environment for the administration of justice. The IGP’s directives underscore the intolerance for any negligence or irresponsibility in securing court facilities.
The meeting saw participation from Regional Police Officers (RPOs), City Police Officers (CPOs), District Police Officers (DPOs), and other senior police officials from across Punjab, connecting through video link. Dr. Anwar called for close coordination between the police and court administration to ensure optimal security arrangements through mutual consultation.
Further stressing the importance of vigilance, the IGP directed that police personnel stationed at courts’ entry and exit points remain on high alert, ensuring thorough checks and continuous monitoring via CCTV cameras. A strict prohibition on the carrying of weapons within court premises was reiterated, with warnings of departmental action against any personnel found negligent in this regard.
The meeting, attended by Additional IG Operations Punjab Shahzada Sultan, MD Punjab Safe Cities Authority Ahsan Younas, and other high-ranking officials, reflects the Punjab Police’s commitment to safeguarding the judiciary and upholding the rule of law in a secure environment.