Azad cautions police against disruptive elements in J

Jammu, Apr 21 (UNI) Appreciating the role of state police in combating militancy, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today cautioned the force against disruptive elements and hatred preachers who were desperate to reverse the improvement in the situation.

Mr Azad, speaking at the first Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal investiture ceremony, said ''Even as the situation in the state had improved a lot there was a challenge before all of us in the form of disruptive elements and those who preached and promoted hatred among people.'' These elements, he said, would try to throw the state back into the old situation where they could benefit at the cost and sufferings of the common people.

The Chief Minister asked the police force to remain on guard against such elements and said there was need to continue the offensive against these elements till the state reached the goal of complete peace and normalcy.

''Don't ever consider yourselves alone in this task (fighting violence and disruptive elements),'' Mr Azad assured the police personnel.

He said the resolve of the people, police and the government to attain peace and normalcy was firm and could not be weakened by anybody. "Howsoever strong winds might blow against us we will not be deterred in our commitment to peace and development,'' he said.

Meanwhile, 48 jawans and officers were awarded the Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal for Gallantry (19 posthumously), and six others the Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

UNI VJ PJ HS1939