Shiv Sena Demands Stronger Safety Measures for Women in J&K

Jammu, March 8: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Jammu & Kashmir unit of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) expressed concern over the rising crimes against women and demanded stronger measures to ensure their safety.

State President Manish Sahni, while addressing the media, said that the increasing incidents of harassment, rape, domestic violence and inhuman crimes against minor girls in Jammu & Kashmir are deeply alarming and demand urgent attention. He said that merely organizing events and delivering speeches on Women’s Day will not ensure safety for women unless strong measures are implemented on the ground. He stated that according to official figures for 2023, about 231 rape cases, over 1500 molestation cases, 524 domestic violence cases and nearly 895 kidnappings of women were reported in the Union Territory.

Sahni demanded the establishment of Women Police Stations in every district, Women Help Desks in all police stations, and Fast-Track Courts for speedy justice in crimes against women.

He also called for 33% reservation for women in the Jammu & Kashmir Police, noting that currently women make up only about 15% of the force, which is insufficient to effectively handle cases related to women.

Sahni said that the “Pink Patrol” unit, launched in 2024 in the Jammu Zone to enhance the safety of women and girl students, has now virtually disappeared from the streets.

He questioned why such an important initiative has been pushed into cold storage and demanded that the government immediately reactivate the Pink Patrol Unit and increase its strength to ensure a safer environment for women and students in public spaces.