Jammu:
Sub-Inspector Jageer Singh came to Jammu three months ago. He is a part of a batch of Punjab & Haryana Police, who have been sent to assist the Jammu & Kashmir Police as its government phases out military security from civilian areas.
It could have been a professionally challenging posting, except it has turned out to be dreary battle.
''It has been three months and we are getting the same salary we used to get in Punjab. We have got nothing more that. At least give us better accommodation,'' said Jageer Singh.
In the cold winter nights, the policemen have to live in tents.
Ashok Gupta, Inspector General, Jammu Police says, "we are vacating hospitals and educational institutions, and it's but natural that they will have to live in a tent."
The policemen are forced to cook their own food, because the food in the police mess is sub-standard.
''Officers have sent us on duty and we are working very sincerely, but if the situation continues to remain the same, then it would be very difficult for us to perform our duties,'' said a sub-inspector.
The frustration is showing in their work. When Punjabi singer Jazzy B's show last week was canceled half way, the Punjab Police was accused of dealing with the agitating crowds with needless harshness.
''Punjab police beat the audiences very mercilessly,'' said a girl from the Jazzy B concert audience.
What has complicated the ground reality: The Punjab police does not fully comprehend the public apprehensions in the state about security men.
But caught between bad living conditions and long working hours, there seems have been no time to learn these essential lessons.