Peace prerequisite for development: DIG north Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 10: Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, North Kashmir Range, Maqsood-ul-Zaman on Thursday said that without peace, no meaningful development can take place.
DIG Zaman was speaking at a public gathering at Dak Bungalow Sopore. He said, “Sopore is not what it used to be. It has achieved peace, and with that, the path to progress is wide open.”
“Peace is a prerequisite of development. Until there is peace, development remains elusive,” DIG Zaman said, citing the transformation of Sopore — once a militancy-hit region — as a powerful example.
The senior police officer nostalgically referred to Sopore as “Chhota London,” saying the town had immense potential. “Had it not witnessed years of disturbances, it might have even become a full-fledged district by now,” he said.
DIG north Kashmir assured the public that the police force is operating under strict directions from the Lieutenant Governor (LG) to work with a humanitarian approach. “We have been clearly instructed to ensure that no innocent is harmed, but at the same time, those indulging in criminal activities will not be spared. For this balance to work, public cooperation is essential,” he said.
On the issue of police verifications, often a concern for job and passport applicants, the DIG reassured. “The government has a sympathetic and youth-friendly policy. A committee has been formed to scrutinize cases thoroughly, ensuring fairness at every level,” he said.
Zaman added that in today’s digital age, the system is increasingly transparent. “Everything is visible. We can’t bluff the system, and no one else can either. This transparency is leading to faster justice delivery and will eventually change public perception,” he said.
Encouraging civic engagement, the officer urged people to come forward with complaints if they feel that any police official or government employee is not performing their duties properly. “If you have grievances, put them up. Everything will be addressed. The only thing needed is faith in the system,” he said. (KNO)