DMs order installation of CCTV cameras outside shops, other establishments

SRINAGAR — In wake of the recent attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, the administration in several districts here have ordered the shopkeepers and other business establishments to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras within the period of 14 days and asked them inform the local police immediately in case of any suspicious movement or activity.

Separate orders were issued by the District Magistrates by the virtue of Section 144 CrPC, 1973, the copies of which lie with the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

The districts include Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Anantnag, Doda, Rajouri and others. The order reads that in installation of CCTV cameras outside banks/ATMs, jewellery shops, petrol pumps, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, cinema halls, wine and beer shops, eating joints, ready-made garment shops, show-rooms, small markets, educational institutions, places of worship, bus stands, railway stations, airports, hospitals and offices would help in curbing such attacks.

“In view of prevailing persistent threat relating to recent increased incidents of selective targeting of the innocent citizens in Jammu and Kashmir by the anti-nationals and subversive elements, which requires several measures, including the use of appropriate technologies, to safeguard the life and property,” the order reads.

It added, “The benefits of advancements in technology are being reaped by every sector be it education, investment, management, health or public service and many states/UTs of the Union of India now employ video surveillance as a tool to monitor public movements and to prevent crime and terrorism.”

“The role of CCTV cameras in improving safety and security cannot be undermined because they not only help in deterrence, surveillance and detection of crime but are very important tools for the law enforcement agencies in the prosecution and bringing the culprit/offender to the book,” it further added.

“The crucial importance of urgent installation of CCTVS has been stressed in a number of Security Review Meetings at higher level,” the orders read.

There exist a number of banking and financial/business establishments like banks/ATMs, jewellery shops, petrol pumps, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, cinema halls, wine and beer shops, eating joints, ready-made garment shops, show-rooms, small markets, educational institutions, places of worship, bus stands, railway stations, airports hospitals and offices, where transactions are held in cash or a place frequented by large number of people with a likelihood of gathering of 50 people or more at a time, where CCTV cameras are not installed to cover the outer areas of such establishments.

Criminals, anti-social and anti-national elements, in the past, have targeted these business establishments causing loss of life and property, the orders read, adding that installation of such CCTVS would not only help in controlling crime but will also help in flourishing of business, tourism and overall growth of the society by preventing danger to human life and safety, thwart/prevent terrorist activities, which may improve the security of UT and general public order and tranquillity.

It said, “In order to deter criminals, anti-social and anti-national elements from committing crimes, the installation of CCTV outside such establishments would work as a force multiplier, which would inspire further confidence in general public/customers visiting these establishments.”

“Now, therefore in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by virtue of section 144 CrPC, 1973, District Magistrates do hereby make this written order for strict compliance by the owners of such establishments and market associations of such markets whether registered or not, who shall within a period of two weeks (14 days) from the date of publication of this order shall take the following steps,” it said.

It added, “The cameras should be installed/located in such a way that it should cover the approach areas at the entry and exit points of establishments/market association of shops and also entry and exit points of parking lots of the establishment/market association of shops up to a distance of 40 meters.”

“Ensure that the CCTV system installed is in working condition at all times, 24×7 even when the establishment is closed. The CCTV system should be of good quality with minimum resolution of 1920 X 1080 minimum illumination of 0.01 Lux, a focal length of 3.6 mm, a built-in IR retention period of 30 days, with a feature to playback as well as download the recording. Provide the CCTV footage to the police and other law enforcement agencies whenever demanded,” it said.

It said, “Inform the Station House Officer of their nearest Police Station in case any suspicious movement or activity is observed in the CCTV system.”

“This order promulgated, shall come into force with effect from 5th April 2022 to and shall remain in force for the period of 60 days, unless withdrawn earlier, and subject to further extension or modification. Any contravention of this order shall attract legal consequences as are contemplated under section 188 of the India Penal Code 1860,” the order says.