Don't need certificate of nationalism, say J&K police officers after NIT row

Srinagar: Three Jammu and Kashmir police officers took to Facebook to say they don't need any certificate of nationalism from anyone in the country.

Reacting to criticism of the force following unrest in the National Institute of Technology (NIT) here, Baramulla's Deputy Superintendent of Police Firoz Yehya took on a section of the electronic media.

"Many of my colleagues have been asking and many more must be thinking 'whose war are we fighting?'," Yehya wrote on his Facebook page.

"All I can tell them is that this is just another phase and will pass. Further, Jammu and Kashmir Police doesn't need any certificate from people (in electronic media).

"We must continue doing the good work within the ambit of law and nothing shall deter us."

Mubassir Latifi, the Senior Superintendent of Police (Crime), said the police force "doesn't need any certificate of nationalism or impartiality from those whose valour doesn't extend beyond their keypads.

"Jammu and Kashmir Police is a saga of sacrifice and courage and has brought this state out of a madness called terrorism."

Their remarks follow criticism from a section of NIT students and leaders of the BJP and its allied groups that the Jammu and Kashmir Police was biased against "outsider students" vis-a-vis the local students.

Both groups had clashed after a World Cup T20 match which India lost to the West Indies. This triggered celebrations by some students and opposition from the others, resulting in violence and a police crackdown.

Shopian's Senior Superintendent of Police Shailendra Mishra had some advice for NIT's students who have been very critical of the police in the state.

"Be responsible with your words, students. The Jammu and Kashmir Police is a nationalist force with high professional standards," he said.

Added Yehya: "Good common people who we serve may be alienated with us for reasons more than one, and our good work shall certainly help us win their hearts."

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, established in 1873, is in charge of law and order in 22 districts spread across an area of 85,806 sq km.