The 27th Police-Public Mela was inaugurated at Gulshan Ground here this morning with lot of enthusiasm and fanfare.The Mela was inaugurated by Ruby Sharma, wife of Chief Secretary, B.R. Sharma, ho was chief guest on the occasion by lighting the traditional lamp.Chief Secretary, B.R. Sharma was guest of honour on the occasion.Director General of Police, K. Rajendra Kumar, Additional Directors General of Police, Chairperson JK Police Wives Welfare Association, K Vijaya, lady members of the Association accompanied the Chief Guest.In her inaugural address, Ruby Sharma appreciated the role of Jammu and Kashmir Police Wives Welfare Association (PWWA) for organizing such Melas and said that the Melas have brought police and public close to each other and enhanced the confidence in the public. She also appreciated the Organization for introducing various welfare schemes for the families of police martyrs. She said that JKP has suffered a lot during past 25 years in fighting militancy and bringing peace in the State and it is duty of all sections of society to take care of wards of martyrs and their families.
Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of the function, the Chief Secretary said that more than 1500 personnel of JKP have made supreme sacrifices while bringing peace and normalcy in the State. He said that nation will not forget the sacrifices of jawans and officers of JKP and it is the moral duty of everybody to help and provide succour to these families so that they lead a dignified life in the society. He said PAWWA members are doing a commendable job by organising such Melas for the betterment of these families.The Chief Secretary was informed that the receipts realized from the Melas are utilized for the welfare of wards of martyrs. He appreciated that Organization for promoting the academic excellence, augmenting facilities for education to cater the needs of the children and to add infrastructure for a wholesome and self contained educational atmosphere with all modern facilities. He further said that the organization has been providing facilities to the children of martyrs for coaching in professional and competitive examinations.
Later, Ruby along with other dignitaries took round of all the stalls established in the Mela and evinced keen interest in the goods especially handmade products displayed on the stalls from all the regions of the State. The Mela was attended by a large number of people from all walks of life. They showed great interest in the purchase of goods put for sale by stall holders and also enjoyed various cultural items presented by children and other cultural groups. More than 65 stalls were established by different police establishments, representing all the regions of the State. Children also thronged the venue since morning and enjoyed various events. They took part in various games and amusement items which was part of the Mela.On the occasion, K. Rajendra disclosed that such Melas have served as a bridge between the police and public which had crept in due to influx of militancy during turmoil. The Melas not only boost the morale of our ranks but also provide opportunities to the officers and officials to interact with each other on different subjects, he added.
Earlier, welcoming the Chief Guest, the Chairperson, PAWWA, K. Vijaya briefed the Chief Guest about the objective of organizing such Melas. She said that PWWA has undertaken various fund raising activities for the welfare of police families with special emphasis on widows and orphans.Among others, the inaugural function ceremony was attended by DG Prisons, SK Mishra, ADsGP, SP Vaid, Navin Agerwal, VK Singh, SM Sahai, Dilbag Singh and L. Mohanti, Former DGp MM Khajuria, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pawan Kotwal, IsGP, AK Choudhary, HK Lohia, AG Mir, MS Salaria, Yoginder Koul, Alok Puri, MA Khan, Danish Rana, Sl Sharma, Jagjit Kumar, MA Ganai and JP Singh, DIsGP, Viplav Kumar, Alok Kumar and AA Wani, prominent citizens, media fraternity members and other police and civil officers. (KNS)