On October 21, India marks Police Commemoration Day, a solemn occasion to honor and remember the brave men and women of the police forces who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in particular, has played a pivotal role in maintaining law and order in one of the most conflict-ridden regions of the country. Their unparalleled courage, resilience, and dedication have been instrumental in securing the peace and safety of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. Yet, despite their sacrifices, JKP personnel often bear the burden of being seen as oppressors, especially in the Valley, where political and social turmoil has made policing a highly sensitive and dangerous occupation.
Jammu and Kashmir has long been a battleground of competing interests, ideologies, and narratives. From managing internal security threats posed by terrorism to handling communal tensions and maintaining law and order in a volatile environment, the Jammu and Kashmir Police faces challenges unlike any other police force in India. Terrorists, aided by external forces, have continuously attempted to destabilize the region, and it has been the JKP’s responsibility to ensure that peace prevails.
The bravery displayed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police is not confined to counter-terrorism operations alone. They have been at the forefront of disaster management, controlling civil unrest, and ensuring the protection of human life and property during moments of political unrest. They balance these professional responsibilities with their personal lives, often making immense sacrifices to serve the larger cause of peace and stability. Yet, despite their relentless efforts, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has often been vilified. In the Valley, where the political climate remains fragile, the JKP is frequently viewed as a force of oppression rather than one of protection. This perception is a consequence of decades of conflict and mistrust between sections of the local population and the state. However, behind every uniform is a human being, a father, a son, a brother, or a friend, who is tasked with an almost impossible responsibility: to protect and serve in the face of hostility, both from within and outside.
One of the most difficult aspects of being a police officer in Jammu and Kashmir is confronting the constant threat posed by terrorism. Over the years, countless police officers have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the region from terrorist violence. These men and women, driven by a sense of duty and love for their land, have given their lives so that others may live in peace. One such hero is Mohd Asif Nazki, a dear friend of mine, who was martyred on 15 June 2015 in a tragic terrorist ambush. Asif was serving as a Special Police Officer in the Jammu and Kashmir Police, working alongside his colleagues to secure the volatile region of Achabal. That fateful day, Asif, along with SHO Feroz Ah Dar and four others of Achabal Police Station, was ambushed by terrorists in Thajiwara Achabal.
The attack, which was brutal and unprovoked, claimed the lives of these brave officers, leaving their families shattered and their comrades in mourning. Asif was not just a police officer; he was the eldest son in his family of nine, including his parents, his wife, his son, two brothers, a sister-in-law, and a nephew. His death left a void in the hearts of his loved ones that can never be filled. For those who knew him, Asif was not just a colleague or a friend; he was a pillar of strength, a man who took immense pride in his work and in his role as a protector of his community. His sacrifice, like that of many others, will forever be remembered, but the grief his family endures is profound and never-ending. The pain of losing Asif still lingers in our hearts. His death left deep, incurable wounds in his family and among his friends, including me. Asif was more than a friend; he was a brother who selflessly gave his life for the safety and protection of others. His story, unfortunately, is not an isolated one. Countless police officers from the Jammu and Kashmir Police have laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism, often with little recognition and even less understanding of the true nature of their service.
The life of a police officer in Jammu and Kashmir is one of constant conflict, both external and internal. On one hand, they must maintain law and order in a region where tensions run high, and on the other, they must balance the demands of their personal lives. These men and women are not just officers of the law; they are also husbands, wives, parents, and siblings. The strain of balancing their duties with their familial responsibilities is immense. In a region like Jammu and Kashmir, where the line between professional and personal life often blurs, police officers face an additional burden. Every day, they must navigate not just the physical dangers posed by terrorism and unrest but also the emotional toll of being away from their families for extended periods. Many officers, like my friend Asif, are forced to choose between spending time with their loved ones and fulfilling their duties to the state.
What makes their sacrifices even more poignant is the fact that they often go unrecognized. In the Valley, the Jammu and Kashmir Police is frequently portrayed as an oppressive force, despite the fact that many of these officers are local men and women who come from the very communities they serve. The stigma attached to wearing the police uniform in a conflict zone like Kashmir can lead to social ostracization, further compounding the emotional and psychological challenges faced by these officers. Despite the immense challenges, the Jammu and Kashmir Police remains committed to its mission of serving and protecting the people of the region. Their professionalism, resilience, and courage are what make them stand out. Whether it’s responding to a terrorist threat, managing a protest, or assisting in disaster relief, the JKP is always at the forefront of the action, often with little regard for their own safety.
Police Commemoration Day is an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and to recognize their invaluable contributions to the safety and security of the region. The list of martyrs from the JKP is long, and each name on that list represents a life cut short, a family left grieving, and a community that has lost one of its protectors. It is important to acknowledge that the Jammu and Kashmir Police operates in one of the most challenging environments in the world. They are tasked with maintaining law and order in a region that has been in the throes of conflict for decades. Their sacrifices have not only contributed to the fight against terrorism but have also played a crucial role in maintaining the social fabric of the region.
As we observe Police Commemoration Day, I pay special tribute to my friend, Mohd Asif Nazki, and the countless others who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Asif’s death is a personal loss, one that has left an indelible mark on my life and on the lives of his family members. His sacrifice, like that of many others, is a reminder of the dangers faced by police officers in Jammu and Kashmir and the incredible bravery they display every day. The day Asif and SHO Feroz Ah Dar were martyred is etched in my memory as one of the darkest days of my life. The pain of losing a friend is something that never truly goes away, but on this day of remembrance, it is important to celebrate their lives and the legacy of courage they have left behind. Asif’s family continues to bear the brunt of this loss, but they are also a testament to the resilience that characterizes the families of all martyrs.
Behind every act of bravery and every life lost, there is a human story—a story of dedication, sacrifice, and love for one’s land and people. The men and women of the Jammu and Kashmir Police are not faceless enforcers of the law; they are human beings who take immense pride in their work and in serving their communities. Their sacrifices should not be forgotten. The loss of every police officer leaves a void in their families, their communities, and their force. It is essential that we, as a society, acknowledge the incredible courage and commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. They have borne the brunt of terrorism and violence, and they continue to stand tall in the face of adversity.
As we commemorate Police Commemoration Day, let us take a moment to honor the bravery and sacrifices of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Their role in maintaining peace and order in one of the most conflict-ridden regions of India cannot be overstated. They have laid down their lives for the safety and security of others, often with little recognition or appreciation. Let us also remember the personal sacrifices they make—the families they leave behind, the lives cut short, and the emotional toll of working in such a challenging environment. To my friend Asif, and to all the brave souls of the Jammu and Kashmir Police who have given their lives in the line of duty, we owe an eternal debt of gratitude. Your courage, your sacrifice, and your dedication will never be forgotten. You are the true heroes of Jammu and Kashmir, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew you and in the annals of history.
