Kangan, Oct 27: In a gesture of compassionate policing, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Kangan Rajeev Raina has won appreciation from residents after assuring them that they could contact him directly if they fell ill and had no one at home to assist them.
Addressing a public grievances outreach programme at Police Station Gund in Ganderbal district, Raina delivered a message that went beyond the conventional responsibilities of law enforcement, assuring residents that the police would stand by them in times of need.
“If you fall ill and there is no one at home to help, do not hesitate to call me directly. We are here not just to enforce the law, but to stand by you as family when you need us most,” Raina told the gathering.
The programme was attended by community elders, youth and local representatives. The officer’s assurance drew appreciation from those present, highlighting the importance of a more accessible and people-oriented approach to policing.
Official Number to Be Displayed on Notice Boards
As part of the initiative to make police assistance more accessible, Raina publicly shared his official mobile number and directed beat officers to display it on notice boards.
The move is intended to enable residents to contact the police when they require assistance, particularly during emergencies or situations in which immediate support from family members may not be available.
The outreach programme was organised under Jammu and Kashmir Police’s public engagement initiative aimed at listening to people’s grievances, responding to concerns related to police services and bridging the gap between law enforcement authorities and the public.
Discussions during the programme focused on local security, public safety and grievance redressal. However, it was Raina’s personal assurance to assist residents in times of distress that emerged as one of the most notable moments of the interaction.
‘Policing Goes Beyond FIRs and Law and Order’
Emphasising his vision of modern policing, Raina said the role of the police force was not confined to registering First Information Reports (FIRs) and maintaining law and order.
“Filing an FIR and managing law and order are fundamental statutory duties, but policing in a modern society goes far beyond administrative paperwork and force deployment,” he said.
He added that effective policing depended on building public trust, preventing crime through proactive community engagement and extending support to vulnerable sections of society.
The officer stressed the importance of maintaining direct communication with residents and understanding the challenges they face in their daily lives, particularly in remote areas where access to immediate assistance can be difficult.
Elderly Residents and Vulnerable Families in Focus
In the remote and mountainous areas of Kangan, accessing immediate assistance during medical emergencies or late-night crises can be challenging for vulnerable households.
Elderly residents living alone and families whose members work away from home may face particular difficulties when someone falls ill or requires urgent help.
Acknowledging these ground realities, Raina emphasised that police personnel in the region were committed to acting as community-first responders.
He urged residents, especially senior citizens living alone, to save emergency police contact numbers and reach out without hesitation during health emergencies or situations involving personal distress.
Locals and community representatives present at the programme appreciated the officer’s assurance, saying that such gestures could strengthen public trust and encourage greater cooperation between residents and the police.
“Hearing an officer speak with such genuine care reassures us that the police are truly our guardians,” a local village elder said after the event. “It changes the whole perception of policing in our valley.”
The initiative highlighted the role of community engagement in making policing more responsive to the needs of residents, particularly those who may find themselves without immediate support during emergencies.
Earlier, Ganderbal Police, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department, organised a Farmers’ Samelan at Police Station Gund to promote awareness about agricultural reforms.
The programme was organised on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and was presided over by SDPO Kangan Rajeev Raina and DySP Probationer Sanjeev.
The Station House Officer (SHO) of Police Station Gund and an Agriculture Department officer were also present. A large number of farmers and residents participated in the event.
The samelan provided a platform to engage with farmers and raise awareness about agricultural reforms, while reinforcing cooperation between government departments and the local community.
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