On Police Commemoration Day, the nation saluted its uniformed heroes. The solemn tribute at Zewan, Srinagar, was not merely a ceremonial gesture-it was a reminder of the unflinching courage, resilience, and sacrifice of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who for over four decades have been the backbone of India’s fight against terrorism in one of the most volatile regions in the world. The story of J&K Police is not just one of policing-it is one of unmatched heroism, professional excellence, and national service under fire. Thousands of J&K Police personnel-from constables to senior officers-have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Unlike conventional law enforcement agencies elsewhere, the J&K Police have fought an asymmetric war marked by ambushes, suicide bombings, kidnappings, and targeted assassinations. In the dark years of the 1990s, when militancy was at its peak and fear gripped every street, these men and women held the thin blue line between order and anarchy. Many were tortured, lynched, or killed in front of their families. Yet, the uniform did not waver.
It is due to their relentless and sustained effort that the scourge of terrorism has been curtailed to a large extent. The J&K Police’s success in leading counter-insurgency operations, in coordination with the Army and other security forces, has transformed the security landscape of the Union Territory. Their deep local intelligence network, built painstakingly over the years, has been a game-changer. Counter-terrorism is not just about firepower-it is about information, language, trust, and human intelligence. No outsider, however skilled, can decode the intricate social and linguistic fabric of the Valley as effectively as the local police. This ground-level intelligence has ensured that almost every major operation in the last decade was swift, precise, and minimally disruptive to civilians.
The success of the Cordon and Search Operations conducted jointly but spearheaded by the J&K Police virtually broke the backbone of terrorism in the region. The coordinated approach, powered by actionable intelligence, led to the elimination of numerous top commanders and the dismantling of local terror networks. Today, peace is slowly taking root in areas once known for perpetual unrest-thanks to the perseverance and professionalism of the police. Every successful operation is accompanied by an unsung tale of sacrifice. Chilling accounts from retired officers narrate nights spent in freezing mountains, daring rescues during hostage situations, and encounters fought against overwhelming odds. While the public enjoyed the safety of their homes, these officers faced bullets, grenades, and death with remarkable composure. Their courage has no parallel, and their sacrifices have written a new chapter in India’s internal security history.
What distinguishes the J&K Police further is their ability to adapt and innovate. The face of terrorism is constantly changing-today it hides behind digital propaganda, narco-terror networks, and hawala channels. Recognising this, the police have evolved into a modern, tech-driven force. They are now actively dismantling terror financing chains, cracking down on sympathisers, and countering radical narratives both online and offline. Moreover, the J&K Police’s experience combating terrorism is now globally unmatched. Few police forces in the world have faced such prolonged, intense, and localised insurgency and emerged stronger. It would not be an exaggeration to say that J&K Police have evolved into a counter-terror institution in themselves-battle-hardened, innovative, and rooted in community trust.
Yet, the debt owed to these martyrs is beyond repayment. Their supreme sacrifices cannot be quantified in medals or memorials. Each name etched on the Police Martyrs’ Memorial is a story of valour, patriotism, and duty beyond measure. These fallen heroes continue to inspire new generations of officers, setting a high bar for courage and integrity.
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