Complete eradication of terrorism in J&K our top priority: L-G Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday emphasised that complete eradication of terrorism from the Union Territory remains the administration’s foremost priority. He directed the police to intensify operations against Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who provide logistical and financial support to terrorists.

“We must strengthen targeted operations against the OGW network. Those offering any form of support to terrorists must be brought to justice,” said the L-G, while addressing the passing-out parade of the 17th batch of Probationary Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) and the 26th batch of Probationary Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) at the Police Academy in Udhampur.

He reiterated that the police and security forces have been given a free hand to eliminate terrorism and dismantle its entire ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. “I urge the mighty J&K Police, the Indian Army, and the valiant Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to work in synergy to wipe out terrorism and its support structure,” he asserted.

Highlighting the need to leverage technology, the L-G called upon the police force to integrate modern tools such as Artificial Intelligence for better data analysis, intelligence gathering, and to counter security threats, including radicalisation.

A total of 49 Deputy Superintendents of Police and 1,112 Probationary Sub-Inspectors successfully completed their rigorous training at the Police Academy and participated in the passing-out parade.

“Our brave officers must adopt a multi-pronged strategy, combining intelligence gathering, community engagement, technology, and inter-agency collaboration to effectively combat terrorism,” said the L-G.

Invoking spiritual imagery, he said, “For thousands of years, warriors have made supreme sacrifices to establish the victory of Dharma over Adharma. These warriors possess the creative power of Lord Brahma, the nurturing force of Lord Vishnu, and the absolute strength of Lord Shiva. The same invincible spirit is being instilled in the 49 probationary DSPs and 1,112 PSIs.”

Paying rich tributes to the martyrs of the J&K Police, the L-G said, “I am proud of our valiant personnel and officers. The entire nation looks up to the J&K Police with admiration and respect for their professional excellence and their success in handling multifaceted security challenges.”

He also stressed the importance of community policing and fostering collective vigilance, stating that a collaborative approach with citizens would not only enhance coordinated responses to terrorism but also deepen trust between the police and the public.

Garib Dass, Director of the Udhampur Police Academy, briefed attendees on the comprehensive training programme, which included new criminal laws, AI applications, cybercrime, narco-terrorism, general warfare, field craft and tactics, counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, human rights, and law and order management.

The L-G inspected the parade, took the ceremonial salute, and felicitated recruits who excelled during training.

Among those present were Nalin Prabhat, DGP J&K; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Saloni Rai, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur; senior officers from the police, civil administration, and security forces; and the families of the graduating officers.