Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a 15 per cent increase in crimes against women in 2021 compared to the previous year. These figures speak volumes about the level of lawlessness that is being witnessed in J&K, which was once known for zero tolerance of crime especially against women.
According to the latest report by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) J&K, including Ladakh, saw 3,937 cases of crimes against women in 2021 compared to 3,405 in 2020.
While 1,851 cases of assault on women with intention to outrage her modesty were reported in 2021, the report said 315 cases of rape, 1,414 incidents of attempt to rape and 14 dowry deaths were lodged in 2021, and incidentally, 91.4 per cent of the accused involved in rape were known to the victim.
The situation calls for increased presence of police at secluded spots, where crimes are most likely to take place. Special women-run public transport can also help women who have to commute at night. Well-lit roads, closed-circuit television cameras, 24/7 police helpline and a prompt response team can also go a long way
Though the importance of policing cannot be denied, making J&K safe for women needs to be addressed at other levels too. Despite societal changes, we are still predominantly in a patriarchal setup. To counter this, we need sensitisation and awareness drives at the grassroots level, for which the police and the civil society needs to work in tandem.
Simple measures like shifting a bus stop, installing streetlights or constructing public toilets exclusively for women can greatly improve women’s safety in J&K. The LG led government must take some concrete measures that can reduce the figures reflected in the NCRB’s latest report with regard to the crime against women in J&K.
