JAMMU: In a major crackdown on public harassment, Ganderbal Police have detained 20 individuals associated with a local group calling itself the “Self-Made Gang (16/96)” for allegedly harassing tourists and young couples at popular recreational spots in the district. Many among the detained have been lodged in a local jail as they were found to be repeat offenders against whom similar complaints had been received in the past also.
Incidentally, Ganderbal assembly seat in the district of the same name is presently held by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. During his visits to his constituency, Omar often makes an effort to connect with the tourists and invite them to various places in J&K, spend more time here. The action of the despicable youth went against everything, every effort that the CM always makes.
The adjoining Kangan assembly seat was won by Mian Mehar Ali Shah, also of the National Conference (NC), a fourth generation politician from a family which has never lost an election ever. Mehar’s great grandfather was the first from the family to make Kangan his electoral arena decades ago.
Mian Mehar’s family is widely revered by the Gujjar Bakerwal community, not only in J&K but outside its borders too. The road to popular tourist destination of Sonamarg, and beyond to Kargil and Leh, passes through Ganderbal and Kangan constituencies. The Kheer Bhawani temple also lies on this road and there is heavy traffic of tourists and pilgrims on the entire stretch round the year.
For a long time, sporadic complaints were received from tourists and locals that a bunch of rowdy youth were indulging in indecent behaviour and harassment. This was deeply disturbing to most locals as it was giving them a bad name as the tourists prefer only those destinations where they feel completely safe and welcome.
According to officials, the accused were found involved in disturbing and intimidating visitors at Abdullah Park, Dumping Park and adjoining areas along the Sindh River — key leisure destinations frequented by locals and tourists alike. Speaking to reporters, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmed Poswal said the gang members would frequently visit these public spaces, click photographs and videos of couples & tourists without their consent. They then later engaged in intimidation, blackmail and harassment for personal gain.
“During the inquiry, it was found that the group had also created WhatsApp and other social media groups to coordinate such unlawful acts,” SSP Poswal revealed. Taking strong cognizance of the issue, police teams swiftly identified and detained all 20 members involved in the activities. Their parents and guardians were also summoned for counselling sessions at the Ganderbal Police Station to prevent recurrence of such behaviour.
Officials, however, confirmed that some of the detained individuals were repeat offenders and have been booked under relevant legal sections before being lodged in Dignibal Jail as per due legal process. To reinforce public safety and curb similar incidents, Ganderbal Police have also issued dedicated helpline numbers — Women’s Helpline: 9541786742; PCR Ganderbal: 9906668731, 0194-2416564 — urging citizens to report any cases of harassment or suspicious activity without hesitation.
Reaffirming the police’s commitment to ensuring a secure and tourist-friendly environment, SSP Poswal said: “We are determined to safeguard the dignity and safety of every visitor and resident in Ganderbal. Any act of harassment or misconduct will be dealt with firmly.” The police have appealed to the general public to remain vigilant and cooperate by reporting any untoward incidents promptly for swift police action.
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