Seven J&K Police Officers Honored with Gallantry Medals for Thwarting Amarnath Terror Attack Plot

JAMMU, Jan 25: Seven out of 15 Jammu and Kashmir Police officers, including former Inspector General of Police for Kashmir Zone, Vijay Kumar, received gallantry medals ahead of Republic Day for their crucial role in preventing a potential terrorist attack on the Amarnath Yatra three years ago, as stated by officials.

The Medal for Gallantry honorees also comprised Humayun Bhat, a deputy superintendent of police and one of four officers who lost their lives during a confrontation with terrorists in southern Kashmir’s Kokernag in September 2023.

Bhat was previously awarded the Kirti Chakra for his extraordinary bravery on the eve of last year’s Independence Day.

In addition to the 15 gallantry medal recipients, Anand Jain and Nitish Kumar — additional directors general of police — were awarded the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, while 10 other officers received the Medal for Meritorious Service.

During his tenure as inspector general, Kumar provided intelligence indicating that a group of terrorists planned to attack the annual Amarnath Yatra in June 2022, officials revealed on Saturday.

On June 14, under Kumar’s oversight, a small police team led by Rakesh Balwal, then senior superintendent of police in Srinagar, intercepted a vehicle at Bemina on the city’s outskirts, resulting in a confrontation.

Officials noted that two hardened terrorists, one of whom was Pakistani, were eliminated during the operation, which was executed without assistance from the Army, the Central Reserve Police Force, or intelligence agencies.

Kumar, who was later promoted to additional director general and recently transferred to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre in Delhi, along with Balwal and five other officers, received gallantry medals for their valor.

With a distinguished service record, Kumar’s expertise includes counter-terrorism, anti-Maoist operations, and maintaining law and order, both within and outside Jammu and Kashmir. He has been instrumental in combating terror threats and ensuring peace following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha congratulated the officers for their commendable achievements.

“Congratulations to the police personnel and officers honored with the Medal for Gallantry, President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, and Medal for Meritorious Service on this Republic Day 2025,” Sinha tweeted.

He also paid homage to selection-grade fireman Satish Kumar Raina, who was posthumously awarded the Medal for Gallantry for sacrificing his life while on duty during a fire incident in the Prem Nagar area of Jammu.

Raina, stationed at the Shaheedi Chowk fire station in Jammu city, tragically lost his life while fighting a fire in January 2023.

The Medal for Gallantry recognizes acts of extraordinary bravery in saving lives and property or in thwarting crime, with the risks assessed based on the officer’s duties.

The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service is given for exceptional service records, while the Medal for Meritorious Service acknowledges significant contributions characterized by resourcefulness and commitment to duty.