Dr Ranjan Sharma
ranjanbhaderwah@gmail.com
You braved the cold, the fear and the night
Ran into the danger when others took flight
Gun on your belt, badge on your chest
No other job needs a bullet proof vest.
Anonymous
The tragic blast at the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar serves as a stark reminder of the unseen dangers faced by the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) in their relentless fight against terrorism. The explosion occurred during a forensic examination of nearly 350 kilograms of seized explosive material, which detonated accidentally as police and forensic teams were collecting samples. The impact was so severe that it triggered multiple secondary explosions, causing extensive damage.
In this heartbreaking incident, nine personnel-including police officers, a revenue officer, forensic experts, and members of the State Investigation Agency-lost their lives, while several others were seriously injured. Though they were not in a conventional battlefield, the risks they faced were no less lethal. Their efforts, handling volatile explosives to prevent their use in terror attacks, reflect extraordinary courage and an unwavering commitment to duty.
Established in 1873, the Jammu and Kashmir Police truly embody their motto, A Saga of Sacrifice and Courage. With over 83,000 personnel, the force continues to lead India’s decades-long effort against terrorism. Deeply rooted within local communities, the JKP remains central to countering evolving security threats and sustaining peace across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The JKP is critically positioned within the region’s security architecture, primarily serving as the first responder and the core body for intelligence collection in counter-terror operations. Unlike traditional law enforcement bodies, the JKP has fought an asymmetric war involving targeted killings, ambushes, suicide attacks, and kidnappings. This first-responder role is embodied by the Special Operations Group (SOG), a specialised tactical unit dedicated to counterinsurgency and counterterrorism. SOG personnel are frequently the first to reach the site of terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. Established to ensure local participation in counterterrorism campaigns and provide a local face to such efforts, the SOG remains a critical pillar of the JKP. Today, the force’s dedication is evident as they respond to every emergency with equal resolve-whether confronting terrorism, enforcing the law, conducting investigations, or managing natural disasters.
To address complex and evolving threats, the JKP follows a multi-dimensional strategy rooted in deep local understanding and technological adaptation. Their extensive local intelligence network, painstakingly developed over decades, is widely regarded as one of their greatest strengths. With extensive knowledge of the region’s terrain, culture, and language, the JKP has led numerous coordinated Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) and Search and Destroy Operations (SADOs) alongside the Army and other security forces. These operations have dismantled terror networks, neutralised several top commanders, and delivered decisive blows to terrorism in the region.
The JKP has also evolved its approach to address modern forms of terrorism, which frequently involve digital propaganda, hawala financing, and narco-terror networks. Their efforts include dismantling terror financing chains, cracking down on sympathisers, and countering radical narratives-both online and offline. Recent achievements include the busting of large transnational terror modules linked to proscribed groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH), as well as the seizure of significant quantities of arms, ammunition, and IED materials. The force has intensified action against the broader terror ecosystem, conducting extensive raids on associates of terrorist groups and banned organisations like Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) to weaken support structures at the grassroots level.
The peace that Jammu and Kashmir enjoys today has come at an immense price, paid largely by the police force through unmatched sacrifice and courage. Thousands of JKP personnel, from constables to senior officers, have laid down their lives in the line of duty. During the peak years of terrorism, they stood as the thin blue line between order and chaos, often facing torture, lynching, or death-even in front of their own families. Yet the force never faltered. Their commitment is driven by deep patriotism and an abiding devotion to the tricolour-motivating them to serve the nation with complete dedication, even at the cost of their lives.
The rich legacy left behind by the martyrs of the Jammu and Kashmir Police continues to guide future generations, reminding the nation of the indomitable courage, dedication, and patriotism that define the force. Their sacrifices are not merely historical episodes but enduring symbols of duty and resilience in the face of persistent adversity. Each life laid down in defence of the nation reinforces the values of honour, integrity, and an unwavering sense of responsibility-ideals that young officers strive to uphold. Recognition bestowed upon these brave hearts at national and regional levels stands as a testament to the force’s unparalleled contribution to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and security.
This spirit of honour and gratitude is reflected in the homage paid by the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, who has formally acknowledged the supreme sacrifice of 1,614 brave personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. This tribute is far more than ceremonial; they embody the deep admiration of a grateful nation that understands the magnitude of these sacrifices. At every commemorative event, the names of these heroes echo through the halls of remembrance, reminding us of the immense price paid for peace and stability in one of India’s most challenging security environments.
National recognition of their exceptional courage has remained consistent. Jammu and Kashmir frequently secures the highest number of Gallantry Medals in the country, highlighting the bravery and exemplary service of its police force. A particularly remarkable example is the 127 gallantry awards awarded to the JKP on Independence Day 2025- an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects both the scale of their service and the intensity of the threats they confront daily.
An unprecedented milestone was achieved in 2021 when the Jammu and Kashmir Police made history by receiving all three of India’s highest peacetime gallantry awards-the Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. These honours were awarded posthumously to heroes such as ASI Babu Ram, DySP Himayun Muzammil Bhat, Constable Altaf Hussain Bhat, and Special Police Officer Shahbaz Ahmad. Their selfless acts of bravery epitomise the highest traditions of service. Their inspiring stories of courage motivate not only their colleagues in uniform but every citizen who learns of their sacrifice.
The sacrifices at the Nowgam Police Station, resulting from an accidental blast, bring to light the often-overlooked realities of policing in conflict zones. These men put their lives on the line to safeguard the public, demonstrating the highest ideals of service. Their courage and professionalism will forever stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The nation mourns their loss and honours their supreme sacrifice.
In essence, the legacy of these martyrs forms the moral foundation of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Their heroism continues to inspire generations to carry forward the torch of duty with honour and pride. Their stories-preserved in medals, memorials, and the hearts of millions-ensure that their sacrifices remain unforgettable and continue to guide the guardians of tomorrow.
(The author is faculty in the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies, University of Jammu.)
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