The government has appointed all Station House Officers' as Special Police Officers' in its endeavour to tackle immoral trafficking.
The latest order supersedes all previous notifications issued on the subject (Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956).
"In exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (1) of Section 13 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 and in supersession of all the previous notifications issued on the subject, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir hereby appoint all SHOs, not below the rank of Inspector and SDPOs/DySP Headquarters of J&K Police as Special Police Officers' within their respective jurisdictions for the purpose of the said Act," reads an order.
The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 is an Indian law designed to curb human trafficking and the organized commercial exploitation of individuals. While the act does not criminalize prostitution per se, it penalizes activities such as running brothels, inducing individuals into prostitution, detaining persons for such purposes, and exploiting minors. Law enforcement agencies leverage the ITPA to rescue victims and prosecute traffickers, pimps, and brothel operators.
The appointment of Special Police Officers is expected to enhance vigilance and ensure stricter implementation of anti-trafficking measures in Jammu and Kashmir.