“The Jammu and Kashmir Police Force is considered to be a symbol of duty, dedication, love and sacrifice. This is the only force in the country that has faced every challenge related to security with full determination and courage,” he said.
He said the sacrifices and determination of police personnel over the past decades had contributed to establishing peace and urged the new officers to draw lessons from their leadership and experience.
‘Duty not limited to fighting terrorism’
Sinha stressed that the officers’ responsibilities would not be limited to countering terrorism but would also include enforcing the law, protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining social harmony.
“Always keep in mind that your responsibility is not limited to fighting terrorism. You have to keep the law in place. You have to establish the rule of law. You have to establish social harmony. And you have to play a very important role in protecting the rights of every citizen,” he said.
He said the true test of democracy lay in protecting its weakest citizens and called upon the officers to combine authority with compassion.
“The real condition of democracy is that it ensures the protection of its weakest citizen and its prosperity. After training, you will have power and you will have to add the values of compassion to that power so that there is human compassion in all your actions,” he said.
Sinha reminded the officers of the long-standing principle of the J&K Police: “Do not touch the innocent and do not leave the culprit.”
He urged them to take pride in the uniform while ensuring that their conduct remained rooted in honesty, courage and humility.
‘Choose truth and duty, whatever the situation’
The Lieutenant Governor asked the newly selected officers to commit themselves to upholding truth and duty, regardless of the circumstances.
“No matter how difficult the situation is, you will always choose truthfulness and duty on the basis of priority. Always remember that the uniform is respected only because of the honesty, courage and determination of the officers who wear the uniform,” he said.
“Only the uniform is not respected. So move forward with honesty, courage and humility,” he added.
Sinha said the appointment also represented the hopes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and called upon the officers to use their authority for justice.
He also expressed gratitude to the parents and relatives of the newly selected officers, saying they had supported their children through the difficult journey and shared their dreams.
“All of you have prepared your children for the service of Jammu and Kashmir. You have supported them in their struggle. You have lived their dreams as your own dreams,” he said.
“India and Jammu and Kashmir will always be grateful to you for this contribution,” Sinha added.
