5099 police personnel killed in past 18 years in J&K: Azad

Srinagar, Oct 21 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said as many as 5099 police and security force personnel sacrificed their lives while fighting militancy during the past 18 years of turmoil in the troubled state.

Giving figures on the police commemoration day at Zewan near here, he said 868 policemen, 447 special police officers and 128 village defence committee members laid down their lives to protect the dignity of their fellowmen.

Mr Azad said 414 dependents of martyrs had already been provided jobs in the state police and preference was being given to them for employment in other departments also.

Paying tribute to martyrs, he lauded the role of the state police in fighting militancy.

Citing example of slain Deputy Superintendent of Police Shalley Singh and his father Inspector Uday Veer Singh, The Chief Minister said both father and son sacrificed their lives while fighting militancy. Keeping the family tradition alive, Singh's younger brother has joined the Jammu and Kashmir police with a vow to wipe out the militancy from the state, he added.

Mr Azad also promised to remove discrepancies in the difference between ration money paid to central police organisations and the state police.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda said during the past one year around 700 police personnel sacrificed their lives across the country.

It was the duty of the entire nation now to ensure that families and dependents of police martyrs lead a dignified and comfortable life, he added.

Mr Khoda said police had taken several measures for welfare of these families, including free education to their children and providing jobs to their dependents.

UNI