Bhim Sen Tuti, Inspector General of Police, Jammu, has said that everyday dozens of anti-terrorist operations are carried out in an effort to eliminate terrorists hiding in dense forests all over the region. These operations are part of the all out efforts made by the police as part of routine security measures, he said. Some of these operations can be on the basis of pinpoint operations while as others need to be carried out to ensure area dominance, he added.
Tuti said that foreign terrorists (read Pakistani infiltrators) operating in the upper reaches of Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Udhampur, Kathua and Reasi pose significant challenges. These challenges have been there for the last two years as these terrorists often infiltrate from Kathua-Samba belt to reach deeper into the Union Territory (UT) of J&K.
“We are strengthening the border protection grid. Very soon, foreign terrorists hiding in the upper reaches will be neutralised,’’ the IG said.
Kathua-Samba-Jammu range DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma has the onus of leading the teams of these three districts and coordinating with intelligence agencies of Border Security Force (BSF) and the Army to prevent infiltration. The constant vigil has been rewarding in the sense that infiltration has gone down significantly in the past few years. This year, however, the fury of floods in most rivers and rivulets of these three districts have led to significant damage to the border fencing. As such, the police, the BSF and Army are devising new strategies to deal with this contingency.
In Srinagar, DGP Nalin Prabhat stated that more than 1,614 Jammu and Kashmir Policemen laid down their lives during the past three decades while fighting Pakistan and its proxies in the Union Territory. He reiterated the commitment of the force to safeguard peace and stability in the region.
“Supreme sacrifices of police martyrs stand as a testimony to the unwavering courage and commitment of the J&K Police,” he said. “The J&K Police has played a pivotal role in fighting the enemies of peace. Our men continue to work with utmost dedication to ensure the safety and security of the people.”
He said that the Police have not only remained at the forefront of counter-terrorism operations but have also been actively engaged in youth outreach and sports activities across the Union Territory. “We conduct such programmes so that our connection with the locals remains strong and meaningful,” he added.
Referring to ‘Jashn-e-Dal’ and other sporting events organized by J&K Police, DGP Prabhat said that thousands of people, including youth from different districts, participated in these initiatives, which have become platforms for community bonding and talent promotion. He reiterated the department’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and progressive society, rooted in mutual trust between the Police and the people.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on October 21 paid rich tributes to the police martyrs at Zewan, Srinagar, on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, honouring their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Floral tributes were offered at the Martyrs’ Memorial, where senior police officers and families of the fallen personnel also paid their respects.
Before J&K became a Union Territory (UT) in late 2019, the Chief Minister of the state led the Police Commemoration Day parade. However, the LG has been leading the parade thereafter as the police have been taken away from the CM under the new dispensation.
The solemn ceremony concluded with a guard of honour and a moment of silence in memory of the martyrs who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.
