SRINAGAR: A total of 114 newly recruited Special Police Officers (SPOs) have completed their training and been inducted into the Ladakh Police, with their deployment planned in the newly created districts of Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Drass and Zanskar.
The induction is aimed at strengthening police presence in remote and difficult-to-access areas and bringing policing services closer to communities, Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena said while attending the valedictory function and passing-out parade at the Police Training School, Stongsar.
The passing-out parade also marked the completion of pre-promotional courses by 99 serving police personnel. These included eight Sub-Inspectors undergoing training for promotion to Inspectors, nine Assistant Sub-Inspectors for promotion to Sub-Inspectors, 77 Head Constables for promotion to Assistant Sub-Inspectors and five Police Followers for induction as Constables.
Saxena said policing in Ladakh presents distinct challenges because of its vast geographical spread, high-altitude locations, difficult terrain, extreme weather and dispersed settlements.
He said the induction of the new SPOs and professional advancement of serving personnel would strengthen the police force, while stressing the importance of legal knowledge, investigation skills, technology, discipline, integrity and professional conduct in modern policing.
“Professional advancement in the Police is not merely about assuming a higher rank but also about accepting greater responsibility, leadership and accountability,” he said.
During the programme, Saxena inaugurated four building blocks comprising 24 two-BHK family quarters for police personnel from the rank of Follower to Head Constable. Built at a cost of Rs 11.04 crore, the quarters have been designed to withstand Ladakh’s harsh climatic conditions.
He also launched the official emblem, flag, logo and shoulder, cap and belt badges of the Ladakh Fire & Rescue Service, besides inaugurating its official website.
The website will provide access to Fire NOC services, fire-safety guidelines, advisories, forms, rules and regulations, emergency contacts, fire station information and public awareness material.
A Comprehensive Fire Safety Handbook for Ladakh was also released. It covers fire prevention, safety measures, emergency response, evacuation procedures, rescue operations and public awareness, and is intended for citizens, commercial establishments, institutions, offices and other stakeholders.
Saxena inspected the parade and took the salute of the marching contingents. He presented awards to the Overall Best, Indoor Best, Outdoor Best and Best Marchman among the passing-out personnel and felicitated the Chief Drill Inspector for his contribution to their training.
He said the initiatives for police housing and strengthening the Fire & Rescue Service were intended to provide personnel with better facilities, modern systems and resources to serve people effectively.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid tribute to the personnel of the Ladakh Police and Ladakh Fire & Rescue Service for their service, describing their courage, professionalism and commitment as vital to the region’s security and emergency response system.
