Focus on crime crackdown, strengthened pilgrimage security, greater accountability in policing
HARPREET SINGH
REASI, APR 22: Setting a decisive tone from the outset, newly appointed Senior Superintendent of Police Reasi, Mukund Tibrewal, has initiated a sweeping overhaul of policing priorities in the district, combining strict enforcement with a people-centric approach.
With the high-profile responsibility of securing the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, SSP Tibrewal’s early days in office reflect a clear focus on discipline, accountability, and proactive policing.
Unlike conventional administrative routines, SSP Tibrewal has adopted a hands-on, field-oriented working style. Regular ground visits, surprise inspections, and on-the-spot reviews have become a hallmark of his functioning.
Officers are being pushed to remain visible and responsive, with clear instructions that policing must be felt on the streets rather than confined to offices. Sources within the department indicate that he has set strict benchmarks for punctuality, professionalism, and real-time response, leaving little room for complacency.
At the core of his strategy lies a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and negligence. All Station House Officers and supervisory ranks have been directed to intensify night patrolling, strengthen naka checking, and ensure swift registration and disposal of cases.
SSP Tibrewal has emphasized that accountability will be fixed at every level, warning that any dereliction of duty will invite strict action.
Given the district’s religious and strategic sensitivity, the SSP has placed the highest priority on the security architecture surrounding the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. Directions have been issued to fortify the entire security grid from base camp Katra to adjoining routes, with enhanced surveillance, strengthened access control, and seamless coordination with central security agencies. Officers have been tasked to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, particularly during peak pilgrimage seasons, ensuring that no security loophole is left unaddressed.
Traffic management has also emerged as a critical focus area under his leadership. With heavy inflow of pilgrims and vehicles, SSP Tibrewal has directed for scientific traffic regulation, better route management, and elimination of bottlenecks on key stretches leading to Katra.
Deployment patterns are being continuously reviewed to ensure smooth vehicular movement and prevent congestion, especially during high rush periods.
In a significant shift, SSP Tibrewal has simultaneously stressed the importance of public-friendly policing. Officers have been instructed to assist pilgrims and locals alike, establish help desks, and ensure prompt grievance redressal. The emphasis is on blending firmness with sensitivity-maintaining law and order without compromising on humane conduct.
His approach also includes strengthening intelligence gathering at the grassroots level. Inputs from field units are being closely monitored, and coordination among various security agencies is being streamlined to preempt any potential threats. Quick response teams and emergency preparedness systems are being reinforced to handle contingencies effectively.
Police insiders suggest that SSP Tibrewal’s leadership is already instilling a sense of urgency and discipline within the force. While the message is clear that negligence will not be tolerated, there is also an assurance that sincere and efficient officers will be recognized and encouraged.
As Reasi continues to remain under national spotlight due to the continuous flow of pilgrims to the Vaishno Devi shrine, SSP Tibrewal’s early initiatives signal a robust, no-nonsense policing model-aimed at ensuring security, efficiency, and public confidence in equal measure.
