SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday paid tributes to Head Constable Jagbir Singh, who lost his life during a two-day encounter in Kathua. Leading the wreath-laying ceremony at Police Headquarters, Gulshan Ground, he acknowledged the service of Head Constable Jagbir Singh, who was in charge of the Safiyan police post. He said, “His duty and commitment will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace.”
Later, the Chief Minister visited the families of the slain policemen—Balvinder Singh, Tariq Ahmad, Jaswant Singh, and Jagbir Singh—expressing his condolences. “Visited the families of our bravehearts—Balvinder Singh, Tariq Ahmad, Jaswant Singh, and Jagbir Singh—who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the Kathua encounter. Their sacrifice is etched in our hearts forever. We stand with their families in this hour of grief,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after the tribute ceremony, the Chief Minister called for an end to the recurring cycle of mourning in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that while the identity of the terrorists involved remains unknown, it is suspected that a new group has infiltrated into the region. “I believe a new group has entered this part of the region, and fortunately, they fell into the hands of the police; otherwise, they could have caused significant damage. Our four brave police personnel have sacrificed their lives, but in doing so, they have saved many innocent lives,” he said.
He assured that investigative agencies would thoroughly probe the matter and reiterated the government’s commitment to assisting the families of the martyrs. Addressing concerns over the surge in attacks in the Jammu division, he pointed out that similar incidents, including the attack on yatris in Reasi, have occurred in recent years. He attributed the security gaps to the shifting of forces from Jammu to Ladakh following China’s attempted incursion into Indian territory, stating that the situation would be addressed gradually.
The Office of the Chief Minister, JK, later posted on social media, reaffirming his tribute to Head Constable Jagbir Singh and his visit to the families of the fallen policemen, expressing the government’s solidarity and support. (With KNO Inputs)
