Srinagar: Asserting that J&K Police are continuously fighting “Pakistan-sponsored terrorism” and carrying forward the anti-narcotics campaign under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Sunday said that force stands firm in every situation and remains committed to safeguarding the nation.
Addressing the function of handing over appointment letters to newly recruited constables at Armed Police Complex Zewan here, the DGP, as per the news agency KNO, welcomed the recruits into the police family and congratulated them and their families for earning the opportunity through hard work and discipline.
“A police uniform is a symbol of discipline, honesty, loyalty, bravery, passion and sacrifice. Most importantly, it represents service to the nation,” he said.
He said police have to fight terrorism, narcotics, organised crime and multiple law-and-order challenges simultaneously. “Joining the force is not merely a job but a symbol of sacrifice, dedication and service to the nation.”
The DGP said, “Whether it is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, organised crime, narcotics or law-and-order challenges, J&K Police stand firm in every situation. During disasters, emergencies, pilgrimages or tourist movement, the force remains at the forefront.”
He said around 4,000 youth, including more than 600 women, have been selected in what he termed the “biggest recruitment exercise conducted by J&K Police in recent years”.
“These posts were advertised in 2014 and over 5.5 lakh candidates from across J&K had applied. This reflects the eagerness of youth to join the police force,” he said.
The DGP said the response also reflects the growing peace, stability and development in Jammu and Kashmir over the last six years.
“To a great extent, under the leadership of LG Sahib, new dimensions of peace, security and progress have been created. This shows that the youth want to move ahead in the national mainstream,” he said.
He expressed hope that the newly selected constables would contribute significantly towards nation-building, maintaining peace and strengthening security.
Giving details about the force, the DGP said the sanctioned strength of constables in J&K Police is around 53,000, while a little over 40,000 personnel are presently posted. “With the joining of these 4,000 recruits, our vacancies will reduce considerably and our operational capabilities will increase,” he said.
He said the recruits would act as “force multipliers” in anti-terror operations being carried out in mountains, forests, ridges and far-flung areas.
The DGP also revealed that the recruitment process for another 6,484 constables has already been initiated following requests made to the government.
“You are becoming members of one of the bravest police forces in the country, serving the nation since 1873. There can be no greater honour,” he said.
Highlighting the educational qualifications of the recruits, the DGP said many among the selected candidates are graduates, postgraduates, B.Tech and M.Tech degree holders.
“We will utilise technically qualified youth in specialised areas and make full use of their skills during service,” he said.
Calling J&K Police a “technology-driven and citizen-centric force,” the DGP said educated youth joining the force reflects deep national devotion and patriotism among the younger generation.
He said the recruits would undergo extensive training in physical fitness, mental strength, Nyaya Sanhita, technology, jungle warfare and modern policing methods.
“J&K Police have to work differently from traditional policing because our challenges are unique. We will prepare you physically, mentally and professionally,” he said.
The DGP urged interested recruits to volunteer for elite units like Snow Leopards, Markhor and Special Operations Group (SOG), saying they would be provided advanced training.
“Along with physical fitness, mental fitness is equally important. When the body stops responding, the mind becomes the biggest weapon,” he said.
Referring to the sacrifices of the force, the DGP said 1,620 personnel of J&K Police have laid down their lives for the country while fighting bravely.
“This is our golden legacy and you are its inheritors. You have to fight terrorism, eliminate crime and also take on the menace of drugs,” he said.
He also advised the recruits to maintain respectful relations with the public while dealing with policing challenges.
“There should be no misbehaviour with the public. Mutual respect and public trust are essential in policing,” he said.
The DGP said J&K Police has been actively participating in the “Drug-Free J&K” campaign launched by the Lieutenant Governor from April 11.
