Safeguarding harmony in a communally sensitive zone requires a delicate balance and a nuanced approach to policing. In such areas, where diverse communities coexist, law enforcement must act as a stabilizing force, fostering understanding and preventing tensions from escalating. The key lies in building trust between the police force and the community, as well as promoting open communication channels. Officers should be trained to be culturally sensitive and aware of the unique dynamics at play, ensuring that their presence is seen as a source of security rather than a potential threat. Proactive community engagement programs, including dialogues and outreach initiatives, can help bridge gaps and dispel misconceptions. Policing in a communally sensitive zone demands not only a commitment to upholding the rule of law but also a dedication to preserving the social fabric by promoting unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among the diverse groups residing in the area.
Highlights
- Anupam Kulshreshtha, an IPS officer, holds the distinction of being the inaugural woman Additional Director General of Police for the Agra zone.
- Tasked with overseeing two crucial ranges, Agra and Aligarh, each presenting unique challenges.
- Her primary focus is on promoting harmony and addressing crimes in this communally sensitive region.
In the state of Uttar Pradesh, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, the dynamics of communal tensions and law enforcement present ongoing challenges. Within this intricate landscape, IPS officer Anupam Kulshreshtha, serving as the first woman Additional Director General of Police for the Agra zone, shoulders the substantial responsibility of overseeing two critical ranges: Agra and Aligarh. This jurisdiction spans several districts, each presenting distinct challenges—from managing significant tourist influxes to addressing communal tensions and criminal activities.
Within the Agra range, Officer Kulshreshtha oversees districts such as Mathura, Firozabad, and Mainpuri, while under the Aligarh range, her responsibilities extend to Aligarh, Hathras, Etah, and Kasganj. These districts, known for their historical tensions leading to communal clashes, pose intricate challenges demanding effective management strategies.
NAVIGATING HOLY LANES OF MATHURA
In Mathura, a unique set of challenges arises. As the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura holds immense significance as a pilgrimage site, drawing devotees and a substantial influx of national and international tourists year-round.
“We witness around 1-3 lakh tourists every day. Over the weekend and on special occasions and festivals such as Janmashtami and Holi, the numbers go up to 45-50 lakh,” shared the officer.
Under her leadership, the city has experienced an innovative approach to crowd management. Despite the substantial footfall, her initiatives have successfully facilitated smooth processions during festivals, prioritizing public safety and fostering cultural harmony.
FIROZABAD: BRIDGING COMMUNITIES
Firozabad presents a unique challenge due to its susceptibility to communal clashes and riots, fueled by a diverse population consisting of 40% Muslims and 60% Hindus. Since assuming her new post, the officer has been consistently working to foster harmony and peace in the district.
Notably, Firozabad is renowned for its vibrant glass industry, housing some of the largest international glass manufacturing units in the country. The city is famous for its bangles, and its glass products are exported globally, enjoying significant popularity.
“We have as many as 250 big and small glass industries in the district. Families have spent generations working around furnaces, welding glass, making bangles, bottles, chandeliers, perfume bottles, glassware, decorative items, kitchen wares, etc., making it a socially important place as it is internationally recognized for the same,” she shared with Indian Masterminds.
Given the district’s prominence, the Firozabad police strive to create a secure environment for industrialists, ensuring the smooth operation of their businesses while promoting peace and cooperation between the two communities.
“We take quick and smooth steps to avoid such clashes or deal with them as quickly as possible, if they ever erupt. We organize peacekeeping meetings regularly and build relationships across the communities,” she explained.
MAINPURI AND ETAH: BATTLING CRIME
Mainpuri, encompassing a mixed caste population within its rural jurisdiction, grapples with various crimes such as loot, dacoity, murder, and kidnapping, demanding continuous police vigilance. The unique challenges of this region require dedicated, round-the-clock policing efforts.
Similar to Mainpuri, Etah represents another economically underdeveloped rural area facing significant crime issues, with multiple criminal gangs operating within its boundaries. Since assuming her role, the officer has persistently worked towards eradicating criminal activities and dismantling gangs in the area.
“This was an area where loot, dacoity, and murder were happening pretty much every day. We have been working tirelessly to eliminate such anti-social elements from society, and it is safe to say that we have been successful in doing so to quite an extent,” Ms. Kulshreshtha shared with Indian Masterminds.
ALIGARH: FOSTERING PEACE
Aligarh stands out as one of the most sensitive regions in the country, marked by a significant Muslim population, the presence of the esteemed Aligarh Muslim University, and renown for its lock industry. The city accommodates an industrial population, a Muslim community, and a substantial student populace. The diverse nature of these demographics presents unique challenges, rendering it a hypersensitive location.
“It has to be dealt with in a manner that ensures maximum harmony. We endeavor to maintain peace among all three major sectors through regular visits and daily patrolling. The police play an essential role in this regard, and we strive to preserve peace at any cost,” Ms. Kulshreshtha emphasized.
MAKING KASGANJ CRIME FREE
Adjacent to Budau, Kasganj holds significant industrial importance as the primary production center for chicory, a coffee substitute. Noteworthy for its geotagged production, chicory from Kasganj is internationally exported to various destinations worldwide.
“Despite the prevalence of industries in these areas, the region, though progressive at its core, is characterized by backwardness and crime,” remarked the officer.
Her current focus lies in transforming this industrial hub into a crime-free zone, providing a secure environment for the workforce.
ADGP Anupam Kulshreshtha, by confronting challenges and defying gender stereotypes, has instilled confidence across communities in the police force. Through transformative initiatives aimed at fostering harmony and ensuring public safety, she serves as an inspirational figure.
Inspiring UPSC Stories ( part) 9 FAQS
Q1: Who is Anupam Kulshreshtha, and what is her role in the police force?
Anupam Kulshreshtha is an IPS officer and holds the prestigious position of being the first woman Additional Director General of Police for the Agra zone. In this role, she oversees two crucial ranges, Agra and Aligarh, each presenting unique challenges.
Q2: What are the primary challenges faced by Anupam Kulshreshtha in her role?
As a police officer in a communally sensitive region, Anupam Kulshreshtha faces challenges related to managing communal tensions and addressing various criminal activities. Her responsibilities include promoting harmony and tackling crimes effectively.
Q3: Which districts does Anupam Kulshreshtha oversee, and what challenges do they pose?
Anupam Kulshreshtha oversees districts such as Mathura, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Aligarh, Hathras, Etah, and Kasganj. These districts are known for historical tensions leading to communal clashes, posing intricate challenges demanding effective management strategies.
Q4: How does Anupam Kulshreshtha manage the tourist influx in Mathura?
Mathura, being a significant pilgrimage site, witnesses a substantial tourist influx. Under Anupam Kulshreshtha’s leadership, innovative approaches to crowd management have been implemented, ensuring smooth processions during festivals and prioritizing public safety.
Q5: What challenges does Firozabad present, and how does Anupam Kulshreshtha address them?
Firozabad is susceptible to communal clashes due to its diverse population. Anupam Kulshreshtha works consistently to foster harmony and peace in the district. The district is also known for its vibrant glass industry, and efforts are made to create a secure environment for industrialists.
Q6: How does Anupam Kulshreshtha deal with crime in Mainpuri and Etah?
Mainpuri, with a mixed caste population, experiences crimes such as loot, dacoity, murder, and kidnapping. Etah, a backward rural area, faces significant crime issues with criminal gangs operating. Anupam Kulshreshtha works tirelessly to eliminate criminal activities and gangs in these areas.
Q7: What unique challenges does Aligarh pose, and how does Anupam Kulshreshtha address them?
Aligarh, with its significant Muslim population, Aligarh Muslim University, and lock industry, is a hypersensitive region. Anupam Kulshreshtha strives to maintain peace among different sectors through regular visits, daily patrolling, and essential police intervention.
Q8: What initiatives is Anupam Kulshreshtha taking to make Kasganj crime-free?
Kasganj, known for its industrial importance, is focused on transforming into a crime-free zone under Anupam Kulshreshtha’s leadership. Efforts are directed towards providing a secure environment for the workforce in this industrial hub.
Q9: How has Anupam Kulshreshtha defied gender stereotypes in her role as a police officer?
Anupam Kulshreshtha has defied gender stereotypes by confronting challenges and inspiring confidence across communities in the police force. Through transformative initiatives aimed at fostering harmony and ensuring public safety, she serves as an inspirational figure.
Q10: What is the significance of Anupam Kulshreshtha’s role in fostering harmony and tackling crimes in a communally sensitive zone?
Anupam Kulshreshtha’s role is significant in addressing communal tensions and managing criminal activities in a sensitive region. Her efforts focus on promoting harmony, ensuring public safety, and effectively managing challenges unique to the diverse districts under her jurisdiction.
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