SRINAGAR: In the wake of the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, Jammu and Kashmir has directed officers to keep close watch on persons masking hawala money by converting large cash hoards into formal books of accounts.
“Close watch would be needed on cash-focused markets and traders in bullion, hawala, precious stones, real estate markets, forex traders etc, where efforts could be made to convert large cash hoards onto formal books of accounts, masked as genuine traders,” Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajendra, said in an order directed to all SPs.
Several possibilities need to be factored while making necessary security or law and order arrangements over the issue.
“Crowds/mob might gather at and near permitted cash collection points, hospitals, grocery shops, travel points etc from today onwards creating situations of law and order.
“Crowds at ATMs and banks, especially from November 10, when they open where cash stocks are expected to run out faster than cash vans can supply, would also need to be watched for any possible undesirable activities,” the state’s top cop said in the order issued last evening.
He said resentment by vested interests leading to law and order issues would also need to be monitored closely.
“With the harvesting seasons, farmers may gather at local grain markets to sell their crops and might seek immediate payments. Such places could also become points of law and order situations.
There could be disputes if vendors refuse to accept high denomination currency of customers asking for exchanging Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 for small purchases, the order reads.
The DGP asked all district Superintendents of Police to ensure that all the required security or law and order arrangements are put in place at all depositing points and other such places where huge public rush is expected.
“The concerned SHOs (Station House Officers) must maintain proper watch and ensure that no untoward incident takes place,” Rajendra said. (AGENCIES)