Supporting families of martyrs not policy but solemn duty: DGP Prabhat

Srinagar, May 7: Paying tributes to the sacrifices of 1,620 police personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty in Jammu and Kashmir over the past three decades, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Thursday said supporting the families of these martyrs is “not a matter of policy but a matter of solemn duty”.

He made these remarks as J&K Police and J&K Bank signed a historic addendum to their 2023 Memorandum of Understanding, enhancing welfare, insurance and compensation benefits for police personnel and Special Police Officers (SPOs).

The addendum was signed by DGP Nalin Prabhat and J&K Bank Managing Director and CEO Amitava Chatterjee in the presence of senior officers of J&K Police and J&K Bank.

Speaking on the occasion, the DGP said the addendum increases insurance cover, compensation and support structures with new provisions for critical medical needs, children’s education and family responsibilities.

Highlighting the enhanced health insurance cover facilitated by the Bank, he said the provision ensures that serious illness or injury does not become a financial burden on the families of those serving in difficult operational conditions.

“The peace and stability witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir today has come at a tremendous cost borne by the brave personnel of the force,” Prabhat said, reiterating that the leadership of J&K Police remains fully committed towards the welfare, dignity and future security of all police personnel and SPOs.

He directed all field formations and senior officers to ensure the effective dissemination of information regarding the enhanced benefits among all ranks.

“There can be no better institution than J&K Bank to lead this initiative and ensure that the families left behind by our martyrs are cared for with dignity and security. I express gratitude to J&K Bank for steady support and am hopeful we will continue to nourish this relationship,” the J&K Police chief added.

Speaking on the occasion, J&K Bank MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said the Bank shares a long-standing relationship with J&K Police, an institution that has played a key role in maintaining peace, law and order and public safety in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Today’s addendum to the MoU reflects our continued commitment towards the welfare and financial security of police personnel, SPOs and their families,” he said.

He added that the peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir have come through the sacrifices of J&K Police personnel and their families, and appreciated the support extended by J&K Police to the Bank in tackling cyber frauds and digital financial crimes linked to online banking channels.

In his remarks, ADGP Manish K Sinha commended the role of the Bank, saying J&K Bank has been playing a transformative role in the financial domain by powering the engines of the J&K economy.

“In this backdrop, two of Jammu & Kashmir’s most vital institutions have come together to further strengthen the financial security and welfare ecosystem for the brave personnel and families who have contributed immensely towards ensuring peace and stability in this part of the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, DGP Prabhat released a booklet titled “Dos and Don’ts in Terror Related Investigations”, compiled by the State Investigation Agency (SIA).