Srinagar, August 15, 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir Police (J&K Police) have achieved a historic milestone, securing 127 Jammu & Kashmir Police Medals for Gallantry (JKPMG) on Independence Day 2025, the highest number of gallantry awards conferred on any police force in India this year. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that the J&K Police also received 14 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM) and 2 President’s Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM), totaling 143 personnel recognized for their exceptional bravery and service. Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha extended heartfelt congratulations, praising the force’s courage and selfless dedication to the nation.LG Manoj Sinha’s Tribute to J&K PoliceOn the eve of India’s 79th Independence Day, LG Manoj Sinha took to X, stating, “Congratulations to all the @JmuKmrPolice
personnel who have been awarded the Medal for Gallantry, President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, and Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day 2025. The nation is proud of your courage, grit & selfless service.” During the flag-hoisting ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar, he paid tributes to the J&K Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), emphasizing their “eternal vigil and protection of every citizen under challenging circumstances.” Sinha highlighted the force’s role in counter-terrorism and restoring peace, urging citizens to pledge for a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.
Unmatched Valor in Counter-TerrorismThe J&K Police’s 127 JKPMG awards reflect their extraordinary courage in counter-insurgency operations, crowd control, and high-risk missions in a region marked by complex security challenges. Notable recipients include Inspector General of Police (Security) Sujit Kumar, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy (Srinagar), Sajad Shah (Awantipora), Iftikhar Talib (Sopore), and Superintendents of Police Shabir Ahmad Khan (South Srinagar) and Hilal Khalid Bhat (Hazratbal). The late Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Himayun Muzzamil Bhat was posthumously honored for his sacrifice during a 2024 encounter in Kokernag.Of the 233 gallantry medals awarded nationwide, 152 went to personnel from Jammu and Kashmir, with the J&K Police leading, followed by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) with 20, Uttar Pradesh Police with 17, and Border Security Force (BSF) with 16. This dominance underscores the J&K Police’s frontline role in combating Pakistan-backed terrorism since 1990, often at great personal risk.
Meritorious Service and LeadershipThe 14 MSM awards recognized contributions in disaster response, community policing, and crime prevention, with recipients including Superintendents of Police Ashok Kumar Sharma, Koshal Kumar Sharma, Sanjay Kumar Kotwal, Arun Gupta, and Mamta Sharma. The 2 PSM awards were conferred on Deputy Inspectors General Sheikh Junaid Mahmood and Rashmi Wazir for their exemplary leadership.
A Legacy of Sacrifice and ServiceLG Sinha, in his Independence Day message, praised the J&K Police for their sacrifices, noting, “The history of J&K Police is written with the blood of brave soldiers who gave everything for the motherland.” He commended their role in operations like ‘Operation Sindoor’ and ‘Operation Mahadev,’ which avenged terror attacks, including the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025. Sinha also expressed condolences for victims of the Kishtwar cloudburst, assuring full support for affected families.
The J&K Police’s contributions extend beyond combat, with advancements in infrastructure, training, and technology adoption. Their efforts have been pivotal in restoring normalcy post the abrogation of Article 370, setting a benchmark for law enforcement nationwide.Republic Day 2025 HonorsEarlier this year, on Republic Day 2025, the J&K Police received 27 awards, including 15 Gallantry Medals, 2 PSM, and 10 MSM, with recipients like Additional Director General Anand Jain and former IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar.
National Pride and Social Media BuzzThe J&K Police’s record-breaking 127 JKPMG awards have sparked widespread admiration. A post on X from @GreaterKashmir
read, “Proud moment for J&K! 143 @JmuKmrPolice
personnel have been awarded Medal for Gallantry, President’s Medal for Distinguished Service & Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Independence Day 2025. Congratulations!” LG Sinha’s call for a terror-free J&K resonated, with citizens and officials alike saluting the force’s unwavering commitment.The J&K Police’s 2025 honors reflect their indomitable spirit, making them a cornerstone of security and pride for the Union Territory and the nation.
