Underlining the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police and security forces in gradual restoration of normalcy in the State and combating militancy, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah paid rich tributes to the martyrs on the Police Commemoration Day at Zewan near here and said that the prevailing situation of normalcy owes a lot to the Police and Security Forces.“We had given you strict directions to uphold human rights and avoid collateral damage while fighting militancy and you abide by the directions to the highest degree of responsibility”, the Chief Minister told the police jawans and assured the families of martyrs of all possible help from the State Government. He said government would be providing all help to the families of martyrs to face the challenges of life. “You will not find us falling back in this stupendous task”, he asserted.
Omar Abdullah referred to the tranquility that has taken place in the State during the last about six years and said that the incidents of militancy have come down by 70 to 80 percent in these years which indicate the degree of normalcy achieved on the peace front. He said Jammu and Kashmir Police performed a great role in achieving this goal. He said that ‘we wish the day comes when there will be no incident of militancy and no killing of any one takes place’, he prayed and wished prosperity and permanent peace in the State.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police, NDRF, CRPF, BSF, Army and Air Force, in saving the lives of thousands of people in the rescue operations during the flood situation that had gripped the Valley and parts of Jammu. “While my gratitude goes to the men in uniform, my special salute is due to un-uniformed youth who voluntarily and courageously saved thousands of lives in floods”, he said and mentioned the outstanding work done by the youth of Srinagar and other districts in saving the lives of people who had got caught up in flood waters.
The Chief Minister referred to the endeavours of the government to reach out to the people and said that it was the timely action of the government that no out brake of any water borne or other flood related diseases took place in the State.Omar Abdullah congratulated the Health Department for its efforts in this regard. He also congratulated Srinagar Municipal Corporation for rendering stupendous service in disposal of garbage, muck, debris and animal carcasses from the city and disinfecting the flood affected areas ensuring checking of diseases. He said this was biggest challenge and all the agencies who have contributed in this regard deserve appreciation otherwise it has been the history that after every flood, disease brake outs have claimed more lives than by the floods and hunger. The Government addressed these issues on top priority and succeeded in keeping these under control and reaching out the people well in time.
Omar Abdullah mentioned the contribution of Rs. 5 crores made by Police Department towards Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and expressed his gratitude to all ranks of J&K Police force for this philanthropic gesture.The Chief Minister also mentioned the role J&K Police has to play in creating sense of security among the voters during the Assembly Elections. “We cannot compel the voters to cast their votes by force but we have also to see that they are not kept away from the polling booths by force”, he maintained and asked the Police Department to be apolitical in rendering their service.
Speaking on the occasion Director General Police, K. Rajindra mentioned the sacrifices rendered by Jammu and Kashmir Police in maintaining law and order and restoring peace and tranquillity in the State. He said that due to the sacrifices of Jammu and Kashmir Police force, peace has greatly rooted and militancy incidence decreased.Director General Police also mentioned the welfare measures put in place by the Police Department to provide necessary succour and relief to the martyrs’ families. He said Rs. 21 crore worth relief has been provided to the police martyrs’ families besides giving ex-gratia relief of Rs. 1.28 crores. He said Rs. 42 lakhs of financial assistance has been given to the injured policemen and 257 out of turn promotions have been given to the policemen for rendering outstanding service.
K. Rajindra expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his keen interest in the welfare of serving police force and the families of those who have laid their lives for safeguarding the State and its people. He also thanked the Chief Minister for enhancement in ration money, hardship allowance and removing pay anomalies.
The DGP assured that Jammu and Kashmir Police will continue to render best service to the State and the people. He read out the names of the police personnel who have attained martyrdom during September 2013 to August 2014 in various parts of the Country and paid them homage.The roll of honour containing the names of police martyrs was carried in a march past and police contingent saluted the role.
On the occasion Ministers Abdul Rahim Rather, Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Nawang Rigzin Jora, G. H. Mir, Sham Lal Sharma, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Saifullah Mir, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, Legislator Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Principal Secretary Home, Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Planning, B. R. Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Director General Prisons, P. L. Gupta, various dignitaries, Retd. Police Officers and families of the police martyrs were present on the occasion.The Chief Minister and the dignitaries laid floral wreaths on the roll of honour and paid homage to the martyrs. (GNS)