Kashmir: Tributes Paid to Bravehearts on Police Commemoration Day

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir today observed Police Commemoration Day with solemn ceremonies across the Union Territory, paying heartfelt tribute to the police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The main function was held at the Police Martyrs Memorial in Zewan, Srinagar, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led the tributes, joined by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who addressed the gathering as Chief Guest.

Senior ministers Sakina Itoo and Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, and several Members of the Legislative Assembly also paid floral tributes at the memorial, honouring the courage and supreme sacrifice of the martyrs. The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Additional DGP (Armed) Anand Jain, Principal Secretary (Home), and other senior officers from the civil and police administration.

In his address, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described the Jammu and Kashmir Police as an epitome of duty, discipline, and selfless service. “Our brave personnel have kept the tricolour flying high even at the cost of their own lives,” he said, expressing gratitude to the families of the martyrs. He urged the police to remain vigilant in eliminating terrorist threats and called for synergy among the five pillars of the criminal justice system—police, prosecution, judiciary, forensics, and prison—for effective delivery of justice.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised the need for innovation and technology in strengthening policing and tackling emerging challenges such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, and misinformation. Reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of police personnel and their families, he said several initiatives were underway to ensure the comfort and dignity of the families of martyrs.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was Guest of Honour, offered floral tributes and interacted with volunteers at a blood donation camp organised as part of the commemoration. He lauded their humanitarian spirit and said the sacrifices of Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel will forever inspire future generations to serve with courage and dedication.

Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat read out the roll of honour of police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. A two-minute silence was observed, and arms were reversed in their honour.

Meanwhile, Police Commemoration Day was also observed across all districts of the Kashmir Valley, marked by wreath-laying ceremonies, commemorative parades, and tributes to the fallen heroes. District heads read out the roll of honour of police personnel from across the country, while floral tributes were paid and two minutes of silence observed in memory of the martyrs. Gifts were distributed among the Next of Kin (NoKs) of police martyrs, and interactive sessions were organised to address their concerns. Cultural and sports events are also being held under the Civic Action Programme in memory of the fallen heroes.

In Anantnag, the main function took place at District Police Lines, where DIG SKR Javed Matoo and SSP Amrit Pal Singh took the salute in the presence of DC Fakhrudin Hamid and families of martyrs. In Shopian, SSP Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary led the commemoration parade, joined by officers from the Police, CRPF, and Army. In Pulwama, SSP Tanushree led the wreath-laying ceremony and inaugurated the Police Martyrs’ Memorial Kabaddi Tournament to commemorate the valour of the fallen personnel.

Similar observances were held in Kulgam, Awantipora, Budgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara, Handwara, and Sopore, where police, CAPF, and civil officers, along with martyrs’ families, gathered to pay their respects. At each location, contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, and other forces presented ceremonial salutes, reaffirming the collective resolve to uphold peace and security in the region.

Police Commemoration Day serves as a poignant reminder of the selfless service, dedication, and valour of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Their supreme sacrifices, officials said, continue to inspire the force’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the Union Territory.