Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday vowed to eliminate terrorism and its support networks from the Union Territory, warning those aiding terrorist activities that their days were over, while Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena led tributes to police martyrs in Leh and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities and welfare of police personnel.
Addressing separate functions on Police Commemoration Day, the two Lieutenant Governors paid homage to personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and highlighted the importance of peace, security and public trust in policing.
In Srinagar, LG Manoj Sinha reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to strengthening peace and development in Jammu and Kashmir, declaring that the campaign against terrorism and separatism would continue until all associated elements were eliminated.
“Our goal is to identify and root out terrorism and every element associated with it in Jammu and Kashmir. Today, we must resolve that we will not rest until this land is freed from separatist and terrorist elements,” Sinha said.
Issuing a stern warning to those supporting terrorism, the Lieutenant Governor said their attempts to evade security agencies would not succeed.
“Your days are over. Even if you attempt to hide in pataal, we will find you and ensure that you are punished under the law,” he said.
Sinha urged citizens to uphold unity, communal harmony and mutual trust while remaining vigilant against forces attempting to disturb peace and stability in the Union Territory.
Remembering the courage, dedication and patriotism of police martyrs, he said their sacrifices continued to inspire Jammu and Kashmir and the entire nation.
He expressed gratitude to the families of fallen personnel and assured them that the administration would continue extending necessary assistance and welfare support.
“I have always said no honour or assistance can compensate a family for the pain of losing a loved one. Yet, it is the nation’s duty to honour their sacrifice not merely in words, but also through its conduct and responsibilities,” Sinha said.
He assured the Jammu and Kashmir Police family that every possible effort would be made to ensure a dignified life, welfare and necessary support for the families of martyrs.
Praising the Jammu and Kashmir Police for its role in combating terrorism and maintaining law and order, Sinha said the force had established a distinguished record of courage, discipline and dedication despite operating under difficult circumstances.
He said thousands of Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel had sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism, and their contribution would remain an enduring source of inspiration for police forces across the country.
“The nation will never forget the contribution of immortal martyrs, who dedicated everything to the honour, dignity and glory of the Tricolour,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the responsibilities of the police extended beyond counterterrorism operations to ensuring public safety, delivering justice and assisting citizens during emergencies and natural disasters.
He also stressed the importance of protecting women, children and vulnerable sections of society, ensuring timely justice for victims and strengthening measures against drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
“The prevention of crimes against women and children, the protection of vulnerable sections and ensuring timely justice for victims must be among our highest priorities,” Sinha said.
Calling for a collective commitment to a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir, he said the systems for monitoring and preventing crimes must be continuously reviewed and strengthened.
He emphasised that peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir were essential to India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation, with the Police, Army and Central Armed Police Forces carrying a major responsibility in safeguarding these gains.
The Jammu and Kashmir Policeobserved Police Commemoration Day across the Jammu region, paying solemn tributes to police personnel and members of the security forces who laid down their lives in the line of duty while safeguarding the sovereignty, integrity and security of the nation.
Commemorative ceremonies were held at police martyrs’ memorials and District Police Lines in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Kishtwar and Rajouri, where ceremonial parades, floral tributes, wreath-laying ceremonies and the reading of the Roll of Honour marked the occasion.
Meanwhile, in Leh, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena led the administration and police personnel in paying tributes to martyrs at a solemn ceremony held at the Martyrs’ Memorial.
Saxena, accompanied by Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, Director General of Police Anand Jain and senior police officers, laid wreaths at the memorial and took the salute during the commemoration ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Saxena said October 21 was not merely a date on the calendar but a reminder of the courage and supreme sacrifice of police personnel who laid down their lives while safeguarding the nation’s security and prosperity.
He said the occasion held special significance for Ladakh, a region that had witnessed numerous invasions and conflicts over the centuries and was closely associated with the origins of Police Commemoration Day.
Commending the Ladakh Police for its courage, discipline and commitment, Saxena said the responsibilities of police personnel went beyond maintaining law and order.
“Your responsibility is not limited to maintaining law and order; you also serve as a source of reassurance and security for the people,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the crucial role played by Ladakh Police personnel during natural disasters, road closures caused by heavy snowfall, emergencies involving tourists stranded in high-altitude areas and incidents affecting remote villages.
He said police personnel were often the first responders in such situations, and their prompt action and sensitivity had helped strengthen public confidence in the force.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to modernising the Ladakh Police by strengthening surveillance systems, communication networks, winter equipment, healthcare facilities, housing and other policing capabilities.
Saxena also congratulated officers and personnel of the Ladakh Police for their dedication, hard work and service to the nation.
J&K Police vows to crush terror, drug networks
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling the remaining terror networks and intensifying action against narco-terrorism and drug trafficking, while Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat assured the families of fallen personnel that the force would continue to stand by them and address their grievances.
The assurances came during Police Commemoration Day functions held across Jammu and Kashmir, where senior officers paid tributes to personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the Union Territory.
At the Armed Police Complex in Zewan, Srinagar, DGP Nalin Prabhat interacted with the next of kin of police martyrs, listened to their grievances and assured them that no injustice would be done to their families.
Accompanied by senior officers, Prabhat paid homage to the fallen personnel and reaffirmed the department’s responsibility towards families who had lost their loved ones while serving the nation.
He assured the bereaved families of all possible assistance, emphasising that their welfare and concerns would remain a priority for the police department.
The commemoration also included a blood donation camp in which the DGP and senior police officers participated by donating blood.
Jammu and Kashmir Police remembered its 1,621 fallen personnel, acknowledging their courage, dedication and sacrifices in safeguarding the region.
Special tributes were paid to seven police personnel who laid down their lives between September 1, 2025, and August 30, 2026. They were Inspector Asrar ul Haq, Head Constable Ashaq Hussain, Selection Grade Constable Aijaz Afzal, Selection Grade Constable Mohammad Amin, Constable Amjid Ali, Constable Arshid Ahmad and Constable Javid Mansoor.
“Heroes Never Die!” the Jammu and Kashmir Police said in its commemorative message, reiterating that the sacrifices of its personnel would never be forgotten.
Meanwhile, addressing reporters after a Police Commemoration Day function in Jammu, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Tejinder Singh said the force would intensify operations against the remaining terrorists, their support networks and those involved in narco-terrorism.
“In the coming days, our efforts will focus on targeting the terror ecosystem and neutralising the remaining terrorists,” Singh said, adding that police would continue strengthening the security situation across the Union Territory.
He said recruitment into terrorist organisations had declined over the past two years, while sustained operations against the terror ecosystem would continue.
The IGP said the security grid would be further strengthened along the borders, the Line of Control and within the Union Territory to maintain peace and prevent attempts to disturb public order.
“From the security perspective, whether it is the border, the Line of Control (LoC), or internal security dynamics, we will further strengthen the security grid and make every possible effort to maintain peace and tranquillity,” he said.
Identifying narco-terrorism as a major security challenge, Singh warned that drug traffickers, particularly those involved in smuggling heroin from Pakistan, posed a serious threat to society and national security.
“Those involved in the drug trade, particularly heroin coming from Pakistan, are also no less dangerous to us than terrorists,” he said.
The IGP said police operations against drug trafficking networks would be intensified in line with the government’s target of making India drug-free by 2029.
He said the ongoing campaign included the attachment of properties linked to drug trafficking, seizure of narcotics and action against individuals involved in organised criminal networks.
Referring to the Shahzad narco-network and gangster-related activities, Singh said police were closely monitoring such networks and would continue taking action against those involved.
He also referred to the recent apprehension of a person allegedly involved in attacking a policeman and said action against criminal networks would continue.
Appealing for greater public cooperation, the IGP urged citizens to act as the police’s “eyes and ears” by sharing information about suspicious activities, drug trafficking and anti-social elements through police helplines or directly with officers.
