Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 19: Close on the heels of Uttar Pradesh’s Anti-Romeo squads, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have introduced a specialized patrolling unit in Jammu District, aimed at ensuring the safety of school and college-going girls, as well as working women.
Comprising 2 Inspectors, 8 head constables, and two drivers, the “Pink Patrol Unit” will operate in two shifts-8 am to 3 pm and 3 pm to 11 pm-in areas with a significant female population, such as schools, colleges, and organizations employing a large number of women.
Inspector Kunti Khajuria, leading one of the shifts, outlined the unit’s operational plan, stating that during the first shift, the team will be stationed outside educational institutions, while the second shift will take over after their closure.
Inspector Arti Thakur, who will oversee the second shift, emphasized the unit’s purpose: providing a safe environment for women.
She explained that the unit’s contact numbers, including a landline and WhatsApp, are prominently displayed on the patrol vehicle, allowing women to report grievances related to eve-teasing and molestation.
While the unit can handle less severe crimes, Inspector Kunti Khajuria clarified that penalizing powers rest with the SHO women cells or other relevant SHOs.
“However, women in need can approach this unit even in the severest categories of crimes,” she said.
The launch of the Pink Patrol Unit has been met with widespread approval, with women praising it as a significant step towards ensuring their safety.
One Simran Gupta commended the initiative, noting that women previously hesitated to approach the police but now have a more comfortable avenue to voice their concerns.
Niharika Gupta highlighted the challenges women face in reaching home safely after late-night work and praised the presence of female police officers as a reassuring measure during emergencies.
College student Kohina expressed relief at the establishment of the Pink Patrol Unit, stating that it provides reassurance to school, college, and tuition-going women facing tough situations.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
