Demand for Accountability: Mehbooba Mufti’s Criticism of J&K DGP’s Handling of Militancy

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has vociferously called for the dismissal of Director General of Police (DGP) R.R. Swain, citing his alleged failure to control the surge in militancy and accusing him of pursuing a divisive, communal agenda in the troubled region.

Mufti’s Strong Allegations Against DGP

In a recent address, Mufti, who leads the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), criticized DGP Swain for the deteriorating security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. She accused him of failing to prevent militant activities and blamed his leadership for the deaths of nearly 50 soldiers in the past 32 months. “Since Mr. Swain took over as DGP, security forces have been bearing casualties. There is no accountability. Heads should have rolled. The DGP should have been sacked. In the past 32 months, almost 50 soldiers have lost their lives. Jawans from across the country come to perform duties in J&K and return in coffins,” Ms. Mufti stated.

Accusations of Communal Agenda

Mehbooba Mufti also alleged that the DGP has been promoting a communal agenda, which she claims has further destabilized the region. She accused Swain of using his position to marginalize certain communities and manipulate political dynamics in favor of a specific ideology. “Files are prepared against police officers and posted to cells. Religious leaders are blackmailed to toe his line. Lawyers were arrested because the J&K High Court Bar Association wanted to conduct internal elections. Businessmen are harassed,” she alleged.

Calls for Higher Intervention

Mufti has called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to take immediate action against Swain. She has urged them to replace the current DGP with someone who can handle the region’s security challenges without bias. “Heads must roll. What is happening in Jammu? So many people are getting killed. No journalist, businessman, Kashmiri or Muslim mans the border. They (security forces) guard it. How is Omar Abdullah or Mehbooba Mufti responsible for what is happening in Jammu? You tried a particular narrative for the past six months, what have you (Mr. Swain) achieved?” Ms. Mufti said.

Widespread Criticism

Mufti’s criticisms have been echoed by other political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Altaf Bukhari, President of the J&K Apni Party, has also criticized Swain’s approach, accusing him of focusing more on political maneuvering than on addressing security issues. “The DGP talks more about politics than security issues. He should pay more attention to control the sacrifices inflicted on security forces, which is saddening to all. It’s easy to blame politicians. He will not achieve anything. He should function professionally as Jammu has witnessed a spike in militant activities. Ground realities belie claims of normalcy,” Mr. Bukhari said.

National Conference’s Viewpoint

National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has joined the chorus of criticism, lambasting Swain for his perceived political bias and lack of focus on his primary duties. Mehdi highlighted that the DGP’s alleged politicization of the police force has coincided with a rise in militant attacks, resulting in significant casualties among security personnel. “The DGP, who has now arrogantly and overtly started bad mouthing, needs to be reminded that while he has been working like a district president or at best the State president for a particular political ideology and political party, while he was busy breaking and making political parties in Kashmir, more than 55 Army personnel, including officers of different ranks up to JCO (Junior Commissioned Officer), have lost their lives in different attacks in Jammu since 2023 only. Had he been dedicated more to his job as a cop and worked less as a political worker, these tragedies could have been avoided,” Mr. Mehdi said.

DGP Swain’s Defense

In response to these accusations, DGP Swain has maintained that his actions are aimed at combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of the region. He has accused mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir of aiding and abetting militant activities. Swain claimed that Pakistan had “successfully infiltrated all important aspects of civil society, thanks to so-called mainstream or regional politics in the Valley”. He alleged that some political leaders have been complicit in fostering a climate of terror to advance their own electoral prospects. “There is ample evidence to show that many had owned the art of running with the hare and hunting with the hound, which left both the common man and the security bewildered, frightened and confused. Visiting the homes of killed terrorists and expressing sympathy in public was normal. While the elimination of new recruits in terrorism was allowed and tacitly encouraged, those who facilitated recruitment and arranged finances were never investigated,” Mr. Swain said in a direct reference to J&K’s mainstream political parties.

Conclusion

The escalating war of words between Mehbooba Mufti and DGP R.R. Swain underscores the complex and fraught nature of Jammu and Kashmir’s security landscape. As political leaders call for accountability and a reassessment of the region’s security strategies, the central government faces mounting pressure to address these concerns and restore stability to this volatile region.

Summary

Mehbooba Mufti’s call for the dismissal of J&K DGP R.R. Swain has sparked widespread political debate. Accusations of failed security measures and communal bias highlight the need for a reassessment of strategies in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure stability and safety.

Key Learning Points

Soumya Smruti Sahoo

Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.