NVI Correspondent
Jammu, Feb 5(NVI): In a significant move to intensify the crackdown on human trafficking, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has appointed all Station House Officers (SHOs), Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) (Headquarters) as Special Police Officers (SPOs) under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 across Jammu and Kashmir.
The notification, issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department, empowers these officers to take swift and decisive action against human trafficking and related crimes within their respective jurisdictions. This move supersedes all previous notifications on the matter, marking a major shift in the region’s approach to combating immoral trafficking.
Announcing the decision, LG Manoj Sinha emphasised the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable sections of society.
“The safety and dignity of every citizen, especially the most vulnerable, are paramount. By empowering police officers with direct authority under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, we are ensuring that justice is swift, effective, and uncompromised,” Sinha said.
The appointment is made under Section 13(1) of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, which allows for the designation of special officers to enforce the Act’s provisions. This decision is part of the broader strategy to strengthen law enforcement’s capacity to combat human trafficking, particularly in regions where such crimes often go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of timely intervention.
With this notification, SHOs, SDPOs, and DySPs now have:
Enhanced authority to conduct raids on suspected trafficking hubs without procedural delays.
Legal power to rescue victims and ensure their immediate safety.
Autonomy to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases swiftly.
Greater coordination with specialized anti-trafficking units for dismantling organized networks.
A senior police official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, remarked, “This move eliminates bureaucratic hurdles. Officers on the ground can now act decisively without waiting for additional approvals, which is crucial when dealing with crimes like human trafficking.”
Human trafficking remains a hidden crime in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir, often targeting women, children, and economically vulnerable individuals. By decentralizing power, the government aims to ensure that law enforcement can respond rapidly to reports, conduct undercover operations, and rescue victims before they suffer irreparable harm.
Razia, a 17-year-old girl from South Kashmir, was recently rescued in an operation led by a local SHO following this directive. Her family, overwhelmed with emotion, credited the swift action for her safe return.
“Without the SHO’s immediate intervention, we might never have seen our daughter again. This change saved her life,” her mother said tearfully.
Legal experts and activists have welcomed the move. Advocate Shabnam Qureshi, a human rights lawyer based in Srinagar, said, “This is a landmark decision. It shows that the administration is serious about tackling trafficking not just as a crime, but as a human rights violation. Giving local officers direct power to act can be a game-changer.”
The J&K Police are also expected to undergo specialized training sessions to handle trafficking cases sensitively, focusing on victim rehabilitation, legal procedures, and coordination with NGOs and social welfare departments.
The appointment of SHOs and SDPOs as Special Police Officers is more than an administrative change—it is a clear message from the J&K government that crimes against humanity will not be tolerated.
As the Union Territory moves forward under LG Manoj Sinha’s leadership, this initiative reflects a governance model rooted in decisive action, accountability, and a commitment to safeguarding human dignity.(News Vibes of India)
