June 27, 2002	Thursday	Rabi-us-Sani 15, 1423

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MUZAFFARABAD, June 26: The special branch of the AJK police, regarded as “ears and eyes” of the state government, has been short of staff and resources since long, notwithstanding the sensitivity of the area, Dawn has learnt from relevant sources.

The budget for the special branch is provided by the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council. In 1985, the branch was reorganized and given one SP, one DSP, four inspectors, six sub-inspectors, 16 assistant sub-inspectors, 10 head constables and 13 constables.

However, despite expansion of work over the last 17 years, during which the number of AJK districts rose to seven from four, and the freedom movement began in occupied Kashmir from where thousands of people were forced to take refuge in Azad Kashmir, the staff strength and resources of the special branch have remained unchanged, the sources said.

The branch also collects and compiles details of casualties along the Line of Control in Indian shelling, on the basis of which the government pays compensation to such people, or their dependents.

Ironically, the special branch, in many areas do not have the facilities to collect such details, or any other sensitive information.

“There are not enough wireless sets, in some areas, no independent offices. The special branch is dependent on district police for transmission of reports, which mar their impartiality,” an official said.

Sources said the sitting Inspector General of AJK police, Asif Ali Shah, vigorously took up the case with the AJK finance department for reorganization of the special branch, which included creation of 161 additional posts to meet the deficiency of staff in it.

The finance department, however, agreed to the creation of 110 new posts, including three inspectors, eight sub-inspectors, 12 of assistant sub-inspectors, 18 head constables, 50 constables, seven followers, three drivers (head constables), one stenographer, one accountant, one head, two senior and two junior clerks and two peons.

The case was moved by the finance department to the ministry of Kashmir affairs in January, but there has been no progress.