JALANDHAR
The 66th State-Level Police Commemoration Day was observed with solemnity and reverence at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) Headquarters in Jalandhar on Tuesday to honour the valiant police personnel who laid down their lives while fighting militants and criminals for the unity and integrity of the nation.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, led the homage ceremony and paid glowing tributes to the martyrs, describing the Punjab Police as an exceptional force that has served the nation with unmatched dedication during both peace and turmoil. He said that since September 1981, the Punjab Police has sacrificed 1,802 officers, including three police personnel this year alone, in the line of duty.
Addressing the gathering after laying floral wreaths at the Police Martyrs’ Memorial, DGP Yadav said, “It isbecause of these martyrs that we are living peacefully today. Punjab Police have a proud legacy of bravery, courage, and commitment to rooting out militancy. The force will continue to uphold peace and communal harmony in the border state.” Speaking to media persons on the sidelines, the DGP highlighted the state government’s decisive campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs), terming it a major success. He revealed that Punjab Police had so far seized over 1,300 kilograms of heroin, aided by more than 16,000 public tips received via the Safe Punjab helpline. This public-backed initiative, he said, had resulted in the registration of many FIRs and the dismantling of several drug networks. The DGP also informed that under this drive, police had busted financial channels linked to narcotics operations by arresting 64 hawala operators and seizing Rs.14 crore in illicit funds. Warning of external threats, he said that the Pak-based ISI and other extremist elements were attempting to disturb Punjab’s peace but reiterated that the police were fully committed to maintaining law and order.
On the issue of extortion calls, DGP Yadav said that investigations revealed that over 80 percent of such calls were made by local criminals posing as gangsters. He directed all Commissioners of Police and SSPs to treat each extortion call as an FIR and conduct a thorough probe. “Our topmost priority is common citizens,” he said, emphasizing that Punjab Police aim to deliver people-friendly and effective policing. After the ceremony, DGP Yadav met with the families of police martyrs, listened to their concerns, and assured them of continued support from the Punjab Government and the Police Department. A well-coordinated Commemoration Parade was held at the Police Martyrs’ Memorial within the PAP campus, where the names of all police martyrs were read out by Commandant Vivek Sheel Soni. The event concluded with a two-minute silence and the laying of wreaths by senior officers in honour of the fallen heroes. Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Special DGs, several ADG and IGs, and others senior police officers/officials.