People feel safe because of sacrifices made by police in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 31 (UNI) Making a pledge to continue fight against the forces trying to destabilise the state, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police (DG) Kuldeep Khuda said people today feel safe because of the supreme sacrifices made by the police and other security force personnel.

The incidents of militancy has also come down by 34 per cent, the DG said adding that his force lost 22 jawans and officers during 2007.

In a New Year message in Urdu and Hindi languages, Mr Khuda said about 5000 security force personnel, including 1400 men from the State Police Force have sacrificed their lives during the two decade long militancy.

He said because of the sacrifices made by the state police and other security agencies, the violence in the valley has come down.

People feel secure now in their homes, streets, offices and educational institutions, Mr Khuda said.

However, the police chief said still some incidents of militancy are taking place.

He further said the Jammu and Kashmir police will remain ready for making any sacrifice for the unity and integrity of the country.

''We will sit only when total peace is restored in the state,'' Mr Khuda stated and admitted the force will have to face new challenges in the 2008.

He said the police force is not only for the security of the people but they are their friends and guides.

The year 2007 was full of challenge for police force as besides engaged in counter insurgency operation, it had to deal with criminals, the DG added.

However, police force emerged winners and solved fake appointment cases, fake stamp paper and fake currency by arresting the accused.

It solved a blind murder of a valley based trader by arresting his son, brought to book the accused who raped and murdered two girl at Rajbagh in the city and Langate in north Kashmir.

Expressing satisfaction over the success achieved by the force, Mr Khuda said for the first time after 19 years, people offered Eid prayers in the Idgah, and Kashmri pandits carried out Janamastami.

The DG said a number of police station buildings were constructed with all modern facilities, new four storey building of CID headquarter was inaugurated, forensic laboratories were set up in eight district headquarters and residential quarters were constructed for the police jawans and officers at different places in the state.

UNI