“J&K Police is a symbol of courage, dedication and selfless service”
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said some people were trying to disturb the communal harmony by justifying the killings of innocent civilians in the Valley and warned them of strict action as per law.
“We will have to be alert as some elements are trying to disturb communal harmony. We will have to keep an eye on them and deal with them strictly,” Sinha said while addressing the Police Commemoration Day function at Zewan on the outskirts of the city.
The LG said while the Constitution guaranteed freedom of expression for all citizens, some elements were trying to justify the killings of civilians under the garb of this fundamental right.
“Some people, for their vested interests, are trying to justify the innocent killings. Everyone has the fundamental right to freedom of expression, as envisaged by the founders of the Constitution, but if anyone, through words or deeds, will play with the unity and integrity of the country, they will have to face action as per the law of the land in the coming days,” he added.
Without naming Pakistan, Sinha said the “neighbouring country and its stooges” here could not digest the “positive developments” in Jammu and Kashmir over the past three years.
“Our neighbour cannot digest the developments taking place in Jammu and Kashmir and, through its stooges, is now targeting innocent civilians. There are some elements who are trying to incite people. Anyone who tries to disturb the peace and development of Jammu and Kashmir will have to pay a heavy price for their cowardly acts,” the LG said.
Sinha added that it was due to the efforts of the police and security forces over the past three decades that the country had been successful in combating terrorism and separatism.
“It is because of your courage and bravery that we have been successful in defeating the efforts of the neighbouring country and some elements within the country to spread terrorism and separatism.
“The sacrifices of the jawans have played a big role in the activities of development that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed in the past three years. If tourism has increased in any region of the union territory, it is not only because of the efforts of the tourism department. The atmosphere of sense of security has been created by our jawans that people from all over the country and abroad feel safe to visit,” he added.
Sinha said India was the “the strongest democratic society” in the world and providing opportunities of development to all citizens was an ongoing endeavour.
“If anyone is trying to sow the seeds of discord among us, it is the responsibility of the society to go for a social boycott of these elements. The way people have protested, and shown their anger, against the recent incidents of civilian killings has given me hope that terrorism has a life of few days left now.
“We should take a pledge to hammer the last nail in the coffin of terrorism and that would be a true tribute to the fallen jawans,” he added.
The LG later laid a floral wreath at the police martyrs’ memorial.
“I pay my tributes to the memory of all police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. We are forever indebted to our security forces for their selfless service to the nation. Their sacrifice and service to the nation would always be remembered,” the LG said.
“Jammu & Kashmir Police and security forces are a symbol of courage, dedication and selfless service. They have always exhibited a high level of professional excellence under extremely challenging circumstances to provide a safe and secure environment to citizens,” he observed.
“Police Commemoration Day is also an occasion to remember the brave hearts of police forces who sacrificed their lives while protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation on the snow clad mountains of Ladakh. I salute the 1604 brave soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir Police, who made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland,” the LG said.
“There is a need to immortalize stories of service and dedication to the nation. ‘Gaurav Stambh’ in Srinagar will serve as a symbol of our martyrs’ valour and sacrifice and I am confident the stories of their courage will inspire every citizen,” he added.
“I respectfully bow down to the families of martyrs for their sacrifice and dedication to the nation,” the LG said.
“Welfare of martyr’s families is the top priority of the government. Necessary steps have been taken to secure their livelihood, education and other benefits to enable them to lead a dignified life,” the LG added.
The LG also said that “the new Jammu Kashmir has also brought new hopes, new aspirations for the younger generation; the enthusiasm of all sections of the society in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Utsav’ has infused a new inspiration in Jammu and Kashmir.”
SJM. Gillani, ADGP J&K Armed Police read the names of policemen who attained martyrdom during the year fighting crime and ensuring safety of the nation.
In the memory of martyred policemen, a Roll of Honour was presented by various contingents. The arms were reversed and a two-minute silence was observed to honour the martyrs.
The LG also visited the Blood Donation Camp organized to mark the occasion and interacted with the donors.
Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to LG; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; RK Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; Lt Gen Amardeep Singh Aujla, GOC, 15 Corps; Pandurang K. Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Vijay Kumar ADGP Kashmir; senior officers of police and civil administration, retired personnel and family members of the martyrs were present on the occasion.
