Kashmir police to have an all-women flying squad

Women’s safety is high on agenda for many states around the country. The recent rape and harassment cases that gained nationwide attention have motivated state governments to work towards ensuring safety for women. Jammu and Kashmir recently joined the list. The increasing rates of crimes against women in the Kashmir valley have led to the formation of a separate all-women squad in the state.

According to a report by India Today, a police spokesperson said, "As a part of our initiative to check crimes against women, the force will deploy all-women police flying squads for assistance at various sensitive places." According to the Srinagar Zonal Police headquarters, flying squads have been deployed in the state capital at sensitive places to check crimes against woman.

The spokesperson added, "To begin with, the city police have deployed all-women police flying squad vehicles at coaching hub of Parray Pora and Baghat areas to assist girl students in the area. Later these squads will be put in at other sensitive places… In case of stalking, harassment, teasing or any unwarranted advances by the delinquents, the girl students are requested to contact nearby female police personnel for instant assistance," according to another report by Hindustan Times.

This step has been taken in the wake of the acid attacks that took place last year in the state. Due to leading more conservative lifestyles, the women in the region would feel more comfortable around female police officers, said the report. The following numbers can be contacted in the case of an emergency: 9596222550, 9596222551 and 0194-2477567.

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