Police Commemoration Day: LG calls for tech-driven policing
Srinagar, Oct 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Tuesday, said that the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s next battle is digital.
Addressing a gathering at the Police Commemoration Day function held here at the Police Memorial in Zewan on the outskirts of Srinagar, LG Sinha, while saluting the J&K Police, said that there was a critical need for adopting modern technology and innovative tools to counter the spread of misinformation and fabricated narratives propagated by inimical forces in J&K.
In his keynote address, he said that in the face of evolving security and information challenges, the Police must evolve into a more technologically equipped and capable force.
“There is a need to adopt modern technology to deal with the people involved in spreading fabricated narratives,” the LG said. “Through new innovations and smart technologies, we can make the Police more capable and proactive.”
Highlighting the transformation witnessed in J&K over the last five years, he said that J&K had undergone “historic changes,” and called on the security apparatus to ensure these gains are consolidated through sustained peace and inclusive development.
“We must ensure that people in J&K live their lives with dignity and freedom,” LG Sinha said. “We must also safeguard the atmosphere of peace and prosperity so that not a single separatist or their handlers can disrupt the harmony of the region.”
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the vision of a peaceful and progressive J&K and called on citizens to actively support the Police and security forces in their mission.
Paying homage to the J&K Police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, the LG said their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
He said that 1614 personnel of the J&K Police had lost their lives while fighting terrorism over the past decades.
“J&K Police is a force known for its courage, sacrifice, and unmatched bravery,” LG Sinha said. “I salute the valour of our martyrs and pay heartfelt tributes to those who gave their lives for the unity and integrity of our nation.”
He said that while their loss cannot be compensated in monetary terms, the administration was committed to ensuring that their families are supported and do not face any hardship.
The LG said that the true tribute to them would be realised only when the Police force becomes a driving partner in the development journey of J&K.
“To fulfill the dreams of our martyrs, the Police must not only act as protectors of law and order but also actively contribute to the broader vision of development,” he said. “Peace cannot be sustained unless terrorism and its entire ecosystem are dismantled.”
LG Sinha appealed to the people of J&K to remember the sacrifices made by security personnel and to reaffirm their support for the Police and armed forces in maintaining peace and normalcy.
He said that the J&K Police was the epitome of duty, discipline, loyalty, and selfless service.
The LG said that J&K Police personnel had always prioritised the nation’s development and the lives of their fellow citizens above their own.
“They have kept tricolour flying high even at the cost of their own life,” he said.
LG Sinha also expressed his deepest gratitude to J&K Police personnel and their families for keeping citizens safe and upholding the rule of law.
“While fighting terrorism, enforcing laws, investigating crimes, or responding to emergencies like the recent natural calamities, the J&K Police’s commitment is to their duty first,” he said.
The LG also said that the deep love for the tricolour is a fundamental reason for the J&K Police personnel to serve the country with utmost devotion and dedication and to make supreme sacrifices.
“The glorious legacy of our Police personnel lives on, and their supreme sacrifices are inspiring future generations to serve and uphold the values of our great country. J&K Police need to be always ready to eliminate terrorist threats,” he said.
LG Sinha called upon the five pillars of the criminal justice system - Police, prosecution, judiciary, forensics, and prison to actively support development and ensure justice for all.
He stressed the need to adopt innovation and smart technology to strengthen policing and enable an effective response to new crime trends, drug smuggling, and false narratives in J&K.
The LG reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of Police personnel and their families.
He highlighted that the J&K Police is implementing numerous programmes to ensure that the families of the J&K Police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty live a life of comfort and dignity.
The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, members of his cabinet, legislators, Chief Secretary Atal Dullo, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, Special DG Coordination S J M Gillani, Special DG Home Guards and SDRF Abdul Ghani Mir, ADGP CID Nitish Kumar, ADGP Armed Anand Jain, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, and other senior Police officials, security force personnel, and civil administration officers.
DGP Nalin Prabhat read the names of Police personnel who were killed in the line of duty.
The arms were reversed and a two-minute silence was observed in their honour.
The LG also visited a blood donation camp organised to mark the occasion.
