Premium
This is an archive article published on January 25, 2024

Form distributed by J&K police seeks details of Valley residents, family members

As per sources in the security establishment, while the Army has been conducting similar “surveys” since 2019, the police kept records but are now "systematising" details of individual households.

jammu and kashmirA security official stands guard outside the Bakshi Stadium on the eve of the Republic Day, in Srinagar, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. (PTI Photo/S Irfan)

“Terror links”, “involvement in an encounter”, “family member settled abroad” – these are some of the details sought in a form being distributed by the Jammu and Kashmir police to residents across the Valley.

As per sources in the security establishment, while the Army has been conducting similar “surveys” since 2019, the police kept records but are now “systematising” details of individual households.

“Until now, police kept records at police stations, but now we have systematised the process with a form. This serves two purposes – one is to see if anyone goes missing and the other is to check the presence of any foreign or new persons,” said a source.

Against the backdrop of an increase in targeted attacks, the source said, “We want to ensure we are aware of members in all households.”

A senior officer called it census work carried out every three-four years by the police to update their records. The officer explained that it’s imperative police know about residents in their jurisdiction, which is why such an exercise has been conducted.

Details meant to be filled in the form include: Name, gender, age, profession, relation with house owner, “terror links”, “any encounter”, vehicle owned with registration number, Aadhaar number, family member settled abroad, visit to foreign country, if any, and whether or not a CCTV is installed at the residence. The form also seeks photographs of each family member as well as of the house.

The forms are being distributed since the last few days, with many who received them saying they are unsure of what the purpose is.

Story continues below this ad

A resident of Sopore in North Kashmir’s Baramulla said, “Some officials came earlier this week and distributed the forms. They asked us to fill in every detail and return them.”

Senior officers, including DGP R R Swain, did not respond to queries about the development.

Bashaarat Masood is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express. He has been covering Jammu and Kashmir, especially the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, for two decades. Bashaarat joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. He has been writing on politics, conflict and development. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012 for his stories on the Pathribal fake encounter. Expertise and Experience Two Decades of Frontline Reporting: Bashaarat has spent 20 years documenting the evolution of Kashmir, from high-intensity conflict and political shifts to socio-economic development. Award-Winning Investigative Journalism: He is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award (2012). This honor was bestowed for his reporting on the Pathribal fake encounter, a series of stories that highlighted his ability to handle sensitive human rights and security issues with investigative rigor. Specialized Beats: His authoritative coverage spans: Political Transitions: Tracking the shift from statehood to Union Territory, electoral dynamics, and the pulse of local governance. Security & Conflict: Providing nuanced reporting on counter-insurgency, civil liberties, and the impact of the conflict on the civilian population. Development: Documenting the infrastructure, healthcare, and educational landscape within the Valley. Academic Background: He holds a Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, providing him with a localized academic and professional foundation that is rare in regional reporting. ... Read More

Naveed Iqbal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, and reports from Jammu and Kashmir. With a career spanning over 15 years in frontline journalism, Naveed provides authoritative reporting on the region’s transition, governance, and the socio-political implications of national policies. Expertise Regional Specialization: Based in the Srinagar and New Delhi bureaus, Naveed has spent over a decade documenting the unique challenges of Jammu and Kashmir. Her reporting is distinguished by deep contextual knowledge of the region's post-Article 370, statehood debates, and local electoral politics. Key Coverage Beats: Her extensive body of work covers: Politics & Governance: Tracking the National Conference (NC), PDP, and BJP dynamics, including in-depth coverage of J&K’s first Assembly sessions and Rajya Sabha polls following the reorganization of the state. Internal Security & Justice: Providing rigorous reporting on counter-insurgency operations, terror module investigations, and judicial developments involving political detainees and constitutional rights. Education & Minority Affairs: Highlighting systemic issues such as quota rows in J&K, public service commission reforms, and the challenges faced by minority communities. ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Loading Taboola...
Advertisement
Advertisement