The Jammu and Kashmir [Images] police is going for an image change.

The police said there will now be greater focus to curb criminal activities of anti-national and anti-social elements to secure peaceful and better environment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

• Quake hits North India

Speaking at a meeting in Srinagar [Images] Wednesday evening, Inspector General of Police (Kashmir) K Rajendra Kumar stressed upon the officers to strive for restoration of complete peace and normalcy in the state.

"The police is endeavouring to be seen as a friend of the people and not adversaries. We have to commit ourselves to the services of the people and should always be ready to help them in the hour of need -- be it natural calamities or law and order related incidents," he said.

The IGP cited the role of the police in rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts following the October 8 devastating quake in parts of the state.

The Jammu and Kashmir police rendered valuable services in the quake-affected areas of Uri and Tangdhar, he said adding, the act has enhanced the image of the police among the public.

Calling upon the officers to work for prevention of crime in the society, Kumar said the timely action and keeping track of the criminal elements was imperative for securing a peaceful atmosphere in the state.

He advised them to maintain effective policing and surveillance in their respective areas, especially in crowded public places such as markets, bus stands and places of worship.

This would help in curbing activities of anti-national elements, besides restoring public confidence in the police, he added.

The IGP said effective, systematic and timely feedback system should be put in place so that it could be obtained to pre-empt occurrences of crimes.

He said professional policing, curbing menace of terrorism, eradicating social evils and gaining public confidence by initiating people friendly civic actions programmes would be high on the police agenda during the coming year.

Exhorting the police officials to rise up to the occasion and discharge their duties without any fear of favour, Kumar said those doing good work would be suitably rewarded and those found wanting in discharging their duties will be severely punished.