In a significant move aimed at bolstering the security grid of Handwara and safeguarding peace in the remote forested belts, Handwara Police launched a special exercise in the far-flung Behaks of the nomadic tribes. This meticulously planned exercise was conducted in the upper reaches of Bungus area, Drood Behak and Behaks at Puthwari, located deep within the rugged jungles of Handwara and was led by Sr. Supdtt. of Police Handwara, Shri. Mushtaq Ahmad Choudary-JKPS.
The exercise was executed by specially constituted teams of Handwara Police with a clear focus on restricting the movement and activities of unscrupulous elements, particularly those with intent to exploit remote terrains for subversive activities. The operation served as a preventive strategy to deny space to terrorists, thereby ensuring that these isolated zones are not misused as hideouts or staging grounds for any nefarious plots against peace and order in the area. Besides, the exercise aimed to forge person-to-person contact among the visiting population so that police can benefit from the knowledge of the terrain and topography available to these behaks inhabitants especially in the upper reaches, which can help in better planning of our Jungle exercise.
The special teams traversed challenging terrain to access the high-altitude dhoks (seasonal settlements) of the nomadic Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. As part of the multi-pronged initiative, the police also undertook a comprehensive enumeration and documentation of the local inhabitants residing in these Behaks. Basic demographic indices, including population count, gender composition, and movement patterns of the transhumant nomadic groups, were carefully noted as part of a structured census exercise.
This operation marks an important step in ensuring that the security grid extends even to the remotest corners of the district, where terrain and isolation often pose a challenge to conventional policing.
In addition to the counter insurgency exercise, community-based interactions were also held with the nomadic population. These engagements were aimed at building trust, understanding their concerns, and most importantly, urging them to actively participate in the security process by sharing information and helping strengthen the Counter-Insurgency (CI) grid. The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing willingness to cooperate and share inputs vital for maintaining peace in the area. SSP Handwara in his interaction with the inhabitants at Bungus reiterated that police is committed to ensure that peace remains long lasting and said that Handwara police will make every effort to extend the security grid to the farthest areas in jungle and protect the Behak population.
The Handwara Police remains committed to the safety, security, and well-being of all citizens, irrespective of their geographic or social location. These exercises will continue as part of a long-term strategy to maintain vigilance, reinforce community participation, and neutralize any attempts by hostile elements to disturb the tranquillity of the region.
