Dulloo directs effective JK4C functioning, stakeholder coordination and timely assistance to victims
Srinagar : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Home Department to review the measures undertaken for prevention of cybercrimes in the Union Territory, with particular focus on safeguarding citizens against emerging cyber threats, including Digital Arrest scams, phishing, online financial frauds, cyber slavery, identity theft and other cyber-enabled offences.
The meeting also reviewed the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the directions issued during the previous review and assessed the progress achieved in strengthening the institutional framework, investigative capacity, public awareness and inter-agency coordination for combating cybercrime in Jammu and Kashmir.
Those who attended the meeting includes Principal Secretary, Home; Commissioner Secretary, IT; Commissioner Secretary, GAD; Commissioner Secretary, Law; Scientists from NIC and officers from the Department of Public Grievances.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of effective implementation of the comprehensive institutional framework established to combat cybercrime in the Union Territory. He directed the Principal Secretary, Home, to conduct regular reviews of the cybercrime prevention and response framework, ensuring close coordination among various stakeholders, including police, banks, financial institutions, and telecom providers. This collaboration aims to enhance preventive measures, expedite responses to cyber incidents, and protect citizens from organized cyber fraud. The Jammu & Kashmir Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (JK4C) was highlighted as a pivotal institution for coordinated action against cybercrime, envisioned as a technology-driven platform for prevention, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency coordination. The Chief Secretary called for adequate support and resources for JK4C to fulfill its mandate effectively. He also stressed the need for continuous capacity building within law enforcement agencies, urging timely completion of training courses and exposure visits to states with best practices in cybercrime prevention. The Chief Secretary expressed confidence that a well-functioning JK4C, in collaboration with all stakeholders, would enhance the Union Territory’s ability to prevent cybercrime, improve investigations, and recover defrauded amounts, thereby boosting public confidence in government efforts to protect citizens in the digital space. The meeting reviewed ongoing cyber safety awareness initiatives integrated into police-public meetings and noted the establishment of twenty-three Cyber Police Stations across Jammu and Kashmir, which strengthens the cybercrime investigation network. Additionally, the implementation of the e-Zero FIR mechanism for cyber financial frauds was discussed, highlighting its potential to improve law enforcement’s capacity to act swiftly against fraudulent transactions. The meeting also addressed the use of advanced cyber investigation platforms for interstate coordination and organized cybercrime investigations. The Chief Secretary reiterated the necessity of a whole-of-government approach to enhance public awareness, strengthen institutional mechanisms, and leverage technological innovations to build a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
