Jammu’s Rising Crime Wave

The brazen daylight robbery at Anand Jewellery Store in Greater Kailash, Jammu, is yet another alarming incident that highlights the deteriorating law and order situation in the region. Armed robbers, equipped with sharp-edged weapons, looted 1.5 kilograms of gold, leaving the shop owner in shock and the business community shaken. This robbery, coupled with the recent daylight murder in Jewel Chowk, underscores a growing pattern of unchecked criminal activity that demands immediate attention from the authorities. The fact that criminals could execute such a heist in broad daylight, bypassing police checkposts and CCTV surveillance, raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement. In this case, also, the police station is not far away. The incident exposes glaring loopholes in security measures and highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of policing strategies in Jammu.
The business community, particularly jewellers, is understandably outraged. There is deep concern over the deteriorating security situation. The demand for issuing weapon licenses to jewellers reflects the community’s lack of faith in law enforcement. While self-defence is a right, the onus of ensuring public safety should primarily rest on the police and civil administration. It signals a severe trust deficit between the public and the authorities. The mass gathering and protest by local shopkeepers in the aftermath of the robbery indicate growing frustration among citizens. The administration cannot afford to ignore such discontent, as it points to a larger problem-rising crime and declining confidence in law enforcement agencies. The police must act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice, reinforcing their commitment to protecting the public. There needs to be a tangible shift in policing, including increased surveillance, more robust checkposts, and better intelligence gathering. Tenant background verification should be done on a war footing now. Jammu has long been known for its peace and stability, but recent events suggest a worrying trend. It is important for the police and civil administration to reinforce security mechanisms and restore public confidence before crime becomes an even greater menace.