Jalandhar: ‘Sehyog’ initiative launched to bolster police-public ties

Jalandhar, September 1

In a bid to foster stronger ties between the police and public, Jalandhar Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma officially launched the ‘Sehyog’ initiative at MGN School today. The programme, set to span four weeks, aims to transform the traditional police-public dynamics into a collaborative partnership, ensuring better safety arrangements, order and overall quality of life in the city.

Speaking at the launch, Sharma outlined the core objectives of Sehyog, emphasising the need for enhanced communication and coordination between the police and the public. “Our goal is to create a more responsive and approachable police force, one that works with the community to address concerns swiftly and effectively,” he said.

The initiative will see daily engagement between 20 officials from the police commissionerate and various NGOs to strategise on the city’s most pressing issues.

A key component of Sehyog is the dissemination of critical information to the public, particularly regarding emergency procedures. Sharma urged residents to make full use of the 112-emergency helpline for reporting incidents such as snatching, robbery or thefts. He also encouraged the residents to familiarise themselves with the contact numbers of their local police stations, all of which are available on the police commissionerate’s website. “In times of crisis, quick and accurate communication can make all the difference,” he added. “Sehyog is not merely about law enforcement; it’s about cultivating a culture of mutual respect and cooperation between the police and the people they serve,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of community feedback, noting that the insights gathered from the residents will play a crucial role in shaping the initiative’s ongoing efforts. “The effectiveness of our work depends on the information we receive from the public. Their feedback will guide us in making Jalandhar a safe and secure city.”

“While law enforcement and crime tracking are fundamental responsibilities of the police, the active involvement of citizens is essential to our success. Sehyog is designed to bridge this gap, turning the public into our allies in maintaining peace and order,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Sehyog initiative was appreciated by the residents present on the occasion. Jasbir Singh, a local resident, applauded the Commissioner for his approach, particularly in managing the city’s notorious traffic issues. “Sehyog is a new milestone in police-public partnership,” he said.

Ajaypal Singh, another resident from 66 Feet Road, highlighted specific areas where Sehyog could make an immediate impact, such as easing traffic congestion between Cantt Road and Urban Estate, especially during peak hours. Meanwhile, Baldev Kumar expressed his full support for the initiative, calling it an “out-of-the-box” effort that could improve police-public interaction.

Uttam Chaddha, General Secretary of the Guru Nagar Welfare Society, also pointed out specific issues that Sehyog could address, such as traffic bottlenecks at key turning points. Puneet Khanna, another resident, suggested that NGOs could play a proactive role in Sehyog, particularly in addressing issues like non-functional street lights, which contribute to anti-social activities.