In Jammu and Kashmir, where security requires persistent efforts of the police and other security forces personnel, the distraction caused by the extensive use of social media as cops can be seen spending hours watching unending stream of reels is something which is deeply alarming and there is a dire need to contain this undesirable affinity of duty-bound personnel towards their cell phones. Although in today’s world the possession of a cell phone is essential for everyone especially for those who are part of the security edifice because it is a vital tool to disseminate information without even wasting a jiffy but their overuse or one can say ‘misuse’ by the security personnel especially those on duty is worrisome.
As a common citizen, one could have seen the cops at checking Naka points showing more interest in observing what is coming in their cell phone feed rather than focusing on their duty to checking the commuters. This is a dangerous trend and can lead to a security breach and difficult situations as far as the security scenario of a crucial place like J&K is concerned.
In this context, growing instances of inattentiveness and casual conduct raise serious questions about preparedness and professionalism. When alertness is replaced by digital distraction, security is inevitably compromised and looking at this relatively new menace in which many personnel on duty prefer not to miss any reel or social media feed rather than meticulously paying attention towards their duty of checking, one can say that security is in peril and there is a need to contain this trend by taking urgent steps.
Moreover, the unchecked use of mobile phones during duty hours also reflects poorly on the institutional discipline of the forces and sends a wrong message to the public at large. When citizens observe those entrusted with their safety being engrossed in screens instead of surveillance, it erodes confidence in the security apparatus and normalizes laxity in sensitive assignments. In an environment like Jammu and Kashmir, where vigilance is not optional but indispensable, even symbolic negligence can embolden hostile elements and undermine years of hard-earned operational credibility.
There is no doubt in the fact that today the people of all walks of life spend hours on their cell phones watching redundant and unnecessary content but the case of security forces is peculiar and they cannot afford such liberty at the cost of the security of the people especially when the threat perception is high and critical for J&K being a sensitive territory facing a Pakistan-sponsored proxy war since 1990.
All said and done, it is necessary to note that when threats are unpredictable and response time is critical, even a momentary lapse can have grave consequences, making it imperative to reassess discipline, accountability, and the responsible use of technology among those on whose shoulders lies the onus of maintaining law and order, and combating terrorism.
