Srinagar, Sep 18 (IANS): J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday advised newly appointed police officers to choose integrity and duty regardless of how difficult circumstances may become.
L-G Manoj Sinha handed over appointment letters to 29 newly selected officers of the Jammu Kashmir Police (Gazetted) Service, marking a significant milestone in the union territory’s journey towards merit-based governance and strengthened security.
In his address, the L-G emphasised that the appointment letters were not mere documents but carried the extraordinary weight of trust reposed by citizens of Jammu Kashmir. He described them as invitations to serve, pledges to safeguard the dignity, security and future of the people, and symbols of responsibility entrusted to the officers.
Congratulating the newly appointed officers, the L-G lauded their perseverance in overcoming an intense and transparent selection process conducted by the Jammu Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC). He commended the Commission for upholding fairness, impartiality and credibility, recalling how, since 2019, even children of ordinary families such as vegetable vendors and labourers have been able to secure government jobs purely based on talent and hard work.
The L-G reminded the officers that their mission was not personal success but service to the people, protection of citizens and upholding the rule of law. He underlined evolving challenges, including terrorism, radicalisation and new methods of terror financing through cryptocurrency and money laundering.
He urged the officers to act as sentinels of both Jammu Kashmir and the nation. “After your training, when you wear the khaki uniform, you will stand as a protective shield between terrorist forces and organisations across the border and the ordinary citizens of Jammu Kashmir. You will be the guardians of the dreams of every citizen, and this is no small responsibility. Protecting every citizen is one of the greatest responsibilities that any democracy can entrust to its officers. My expectation of you is that you will ensure a fear-free environment for every citizen,” he said.
Highlighting the ethos of the Jammu Kashmir Police, the L-G praised the devotion, sacrifice and courage of senior officers who have safeguarded peace and harmony over decades. He urged the new officers to combine authority with compassion, uphold communal harmony and protect the rights of the most vulnerable.
Reiterating his guiding principle, he said: “Do not harass the innocent; do not spare the guilty.” He called upon them to wear the khaki uniform with pride but keep their conscience closer to their hearts.
“You will possess authority, and you must combine that authority with compassion so that human sensitivity remains an essential part of all your actions. Regardless of how difficult circumstances may become, you must choose integrity and duty. Always remember that the respect commanded by the uniform depends on the honesty, courage and conduct of the officers who wear it,” he added.
The L-G concluded by saying: “Move forward with honesty, courage and humility. Along with your appointment letters, I have entrusted you with the hopes, dreams and faith of the people. Honour this responsibility with unwavering resolve and use your authority in the cause of justice.”
Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; M Raju, Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department; and senior officials of Police and Civil Administration attended the ceremony.
