Srinagar, Jan 26: Several officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), including former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar, were honored with gallantry medals on Republic Day 2025 for their pivotal role in preventing a potential terror attack during the Shri Amarnath Yatra in June 2022, officials reported.
Among the 15 gallantry medals awarded to JKP personnel, seven were for a single high-stakes operation that displayed remarkable bravery and coordination. The recipients also included Humayun Bhat, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who was one of four officers who made the ultimate sacrifice during an encounter with terrorists in south Kashmir’s Kokernag in September 2023.
On June 14, 2022, acting on intelligence provided by then IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, a team led by then SSP Srinagar Rakesh Balwal and SP Operations Srinagar Iftkhar Talib intercepted a suspicious vehicle at Bemina on the outskirts of Srinagar. A subsequent encounter resulted in the neutralization of two terrorists—one a notorious Pakistani national, the other a local militant. Notably, this operation was carried out without assistance from the Army, CRPF, or other intelligence agencies, underscoring the police force’s self-reliance and operational effectiveness.
DSP Mohan Sharma was awarded the Shaurya Chakra for his valor during this operation, while IGP Vijay Kumar, SSP Rakesh Balwal, and five other officers received gallantry medals from the President of India. Balwal, who was later promoted to Additional Director General of Police and transferred to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre’s Delhi segment, was among those honored for his bravery.
Vijay Kumar, who recently took over as Special Commissioner of Police in Delhi, is a 1997-batch IPS officer with a distinguished career. His tenure as IGP Kashmir saw the neutralization of over 500 terrorists and the cessation of hartals, street violence, and stone-pelting incidents in 2022-23. To undermine local support for terror groups, Kumar implemented a blend of preventive and punitive measures against those aiding terrorism.
In recognition of his 25 years of exemplary service, Kumar was awarded the President’s Police Medal (PPM) for Distinguished Service in 2023. He has also received three gallantry medals from the Central Government and one from the J&K government for his role in anti-terror operations. He was also honoured with the National Award by the Election Commission of India for his role as Chief Force Coordinator of CAPFs during secure assembly elections in nine states in 2018.
Vijay Kumar’s strategic leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on the policing landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, contributing to a safer and more stable region.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartfelt congratulations to the officers recognized for their exceptional service, stating: “Congratulations to the police personnel and officers who have been conferred with the Medal for Gallantry, President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, and Medal for Meritorious Service on the occasion of Republic Day 2025,” in a post on X.
