ZANSKAR: Director General of Police (DGP), UT Ladakh, Anand Jain, IPS, on Sunday concluded his maiden two-day official visit to the newly created District Zanskar, inaugurating the District Police Office (DPO) at Padum and conducting an extensive review of the district’s law and order, policing infrastructure and public safety initiatives.
The visit marked a significant step towards strengthening policing and administrative coordination in Zanskar following its creation as a separate district. The DGP was accorded a traditional welcome on his arrival by Deputy Commissioner Zanskar, Superintendent of Police Rigzin Sangdup, JKPS, representatives of religious organisations, public representatives and political leaders.
During the visit, the DGP inaugurated the newly established District Police Office, Padum, in the presence of senior civil and police officers, religious leaders and local dignitaries. Addressing the gathering, he congratulated the people on the creation of the new district and said the establishment of a dedicated District Police Office would improve public service delivery, strengthen law enforcement and enhance coordination between the police and civil administration.
He reaffirmed Ladakh Police’s commitment to providing professional, people-friendly and efficient policing across the district while ensuring the safety and security of its residents.
The inauguration was followed by a detailed review meeting in which SP Rigzin Sangdup presented the district’s policing profile, covering law and order, crime trends, cybercrime preparedness, traffic management, manpower, infrastructure, drug-related challenges and operational priorities.
As part of the visit, the DGP also inspected Police Station Zanskar and interacted with representatives of the Zanskar Buddhist Association, Anjuman, All Zanskar Gonpa Association, women’s groups, taxi and merchant associations, Numberdars, political representatives and other stakeholders during a Public Darbar.
Community representatives appreciated Ladakh Police for maintaining communal harmony and intensifying action against drug trafficking while raising concerns over the growing menace of drug abuse. They assured full cooperation in creating a drug-free Zanskar through public awareness and community participation. Representatives of religious organisations also urged the police to strengthen security arrangements at monasteries across the district.
Responding to the concerns, the DGP assured that Ladakh Police would continue to work closely with local communities to combat drug abuse, strengthen public safety and preserve peace and harmony in the region.
The DGP further conducted a comprehensive inspection of Police Station Zanskar, reviewing investigation standards, police records, CCTNS operations, cybercrime investigation, grievance redressal mechanisms and overall station management. He directed officers to enhance the use of technology, improve investigation quality and reinforce the beat policing system by ensuring regular visits to every household and timely updating of records.
During his interaction with police personnel, the DGP heard welfare-related grievances of officers and jawans and assured them that their genuine concerns would receive due attention while appreciating their dedication and commitment to duty.
The visit also included an inspection of the under-construction Police Station building, where the DGP directed the executing agency to expedite construction while maintaining quality standards. He later visited Police Check Post Kargyak (Gonbo Rangjon), where he reviewed security arrangements, interacted with police personnel, local villagers, Numberdars and camp owners, and discussed issues relating to road connectivity, tourist safety and local policing requirements.
The two-day visit concluded with the DGP emphasising that stronger police-public partnerships, improved infrastructure and coordinated efforts with the civil administration would play a vital role in maintaining peace, communal harmony and sustainable development in Zanskar, while advancing the goal of making the district drug-free.
