1622 cops martyred in state since emergence of militancy

SRINAGAR: On the Police Commemoration Day, Director General of Police S P Vaid paid homage to 1622 policemen including 490 Special Police Officer (SPOs) who have attained martyrdom in Jammu and Kashmir ever since the emergence of terrorism in early 90's.
"From last 28 years, state is battling militancy. The State police along with other security agencies is working to root out the militancy and restore peace and law and order in the State," DGP Vaid said.
"J&K police also suffered casualties while dealing with the militancy. We lost 1001 policemen, 490 Special Police Officers (SPOs) and 131 Village Defence Committee (VDC) members in 28 years of militancy," the police chief said.
Among the dead policemen include a DIG, an SP, 20 DySPs, 24 Inspectors, 34 Sub Inspectors (SIs), 63 Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASIs), 142 head constables, 166 senior-grade constables, 520 constables and 20 followers.
Vaid said the police managed to contain the situation in the Valley following killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8 last year due to sacrifices of policemen and better efforts by the police.
The Kashmir witnessed over five months long unrest last year after killing of Burhan. At least 94 people were killed and over 12000 injured in security forces firing on protestors during the unrest in the Valley.
The police chief said the stone pelting incidents have come down due to policing.
"Besides, many top militant commanders have been killed in encounters with police and other security forces in the Valley this year," he said.
Over 160 militants including a dozen top commanders have been killed in security forces operations in Valley this year so far.
Vaid said from September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017, 370 officers and jawans of policemen across the country laid down their lives.
"30 J&K policemen were killed while fighting militancy in the State this year," the police chief said.
He said among the dead including DySP Mohammad Ayoub Pandit, SI Feroz Ahmad and ASI Ab Rashid Shah.
Thanking the state government for being sensitive towards the police force, Vaid appreciated the steps talken by the government for the welfare of the police personnel.