Leh: Ladakh Police on Tuesday inducted 114 Special Police Officers (SPOs) for deployment in the newly created districts, while 99 personnel completed pre-promotional courses aimed at enhancing their supervisory and operational capabilities.
The developments were marked by a valedictory-cum-passing-out parade of Sub-Inspectors, Head Constables, followers and SPOs at the Police Training School, Stongsar, which was attended by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
Saxena also inaugurated 24 two-BHK police family quarters and launched the emblem, flag, logo and badges of the Ladakh Fire and Rescue Service. He also inaugurated the Service’s official website and released its Comprehensive Fire Safety Handbook to improve access to fire-safety information and strengthen prevention, preparedness and emergency response.
Congratulating all the passing-out personnel, Saxena said policing in Ladakh involves unique challenges arising from its vast geographical spread, high-altitude locations, difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and dispersed settlements.
“Ladakh Police performs its duty in some of the most challenging conditions in the country, and the courage, discipline and dedication of its personnel deserve our highest appreciation. Today’s induction of 114 newly recruited SPOs, along with the promotion and professional advancement of 99 serving personnel, will further strengthen the police force across Ladakh.
“Our initiatives for police housing and the strengthening of Fire & Rescue Services are aimed at ensuring that our personnel are supported with better facilities, modern systems and the resources they need to serve the people effectively,” the lieutenant governor said.
He emphasised that professional advancement in the police is not merely about assuming a higher rank but also about accepting greater responsibility, leadership and accountability.
Saxena highlighted the importance of legal knowledge, investigation skills, technology, discipline, integrity and professional conduct in modern policing.
The lieutenant governor expressed confidence that the induction of new personnel, professional advancement of serving police personnel and the initiatives launched for police welfare and Fire & Rescue Services would make Ladakh’s security and emergency response systems more modern, responsive, professional and people-centric.
He paid tribute to the officers and personnel of Ladakh Police and Ladakh Fire & Rescue Service for their dedicated service and said that their courage, professionalism and commitment constitute a vital strength of Ladakh’s security and emergency response system.
The lieutenant governor earlier inspected the parade and took the salute of the marching contingents during the ceremonial march past.
He also presented awards to the Overall Best, Indoor Best, Outdoor Best and Best Marchman among the Sub-Inspectors, Head Constables, Followers and SPOs. The Chief Drill Inspector was also felicitated on the occasion for his contribution to the training and preparation of the personnel.
An official spokesperson said a total of 114 newly recruited SPOs have successfully completed their training and are being deployed in the newly created districts of Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Drass and Zanskar, augmenting police manpower and strengthening police presence closer to communities in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
The passing-out parade also marked the successful completion of pre-promotional courses by 99 police personnel. These include eight Sub-Inspectors undergoing courses for promotion to Inspectors, nine Assistant Sub-Inspectors for promotion to Sub-Inspectors, 77 Head Constables for promotion to Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and five Police followers for induction as constables, the spokesperson said.
