Leh, Oct 06 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Monday said that policing in Ladakh involves unique challenges arising from its vast geographical spread, high-altitude locations, difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and dispersed settlements.
"Ladakh Police performs its duty in some of the most challenging conditions in the country, and the courage, discipline and dedication of its personnel deserve our highest appreciation,” the Lieutenant Governor said at the valedictory function and passing-out parade of Sub-Inspectors, Head Constables, Followers and Special Police Officers (SPOs) at the Police Training School, Stongsar.
Today's induction of 114 newly recruited SPOs, along with the promotion and professional advancement of 99 serving personnel, will further strengthen the Police force across Ladakh, the LG, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), added.
The newly recruited SPOs will be deployed in the newly created districts of Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Drass and Zanskar, augmenting police manpower and strengthening presence closer to communities in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
The passing-out parade also marked the successful completion of pre-promotional courses by 99 police personnel—8 Sub-Inspectors undergoing courses for promotion to Inspectors, 9 Assistant Sub-Inspectors for promotion to Sub-Inspectors, 77 Head Constables for promotion to Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and 5 Police Followers for induction as Constables.
The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated 24 two-BHK police family quarters to improve accommodation and welfare of personnel. Constructed at a cost of ₹11.04 crore, the quarters have been designed keeping Ladakh's harsh climatic conditions in view.
He also launched the official Emblem, Flag, Logo and badges of the Ladakh Fire & Rescue Service to strengthen its identity and professionalism, and e-inaugurated its official website as a single digital platform for citizens. The website will provide access to Fire NOC services, fire safety guidelines, advisories, forms, rules and regulations, emergency contact details and public awareness material.
A Comprehensive Fire Safety Handbook for Ladakh was also released, covering fire prevention, safety measures, emergency response, evacuation procedures and rescue operations.
LG 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 personnel, and felicitated the Chief Drill Inspector.
Congratulating the passing-out personnel, Saxena said, "Our initiatives for police housing and the strengthening of Fire & Rescue Services are aimed at ensuring that our personnel are supported with better facilities, modern systems and the resources they need to serve the people effectively," he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said that professional advancement in the police is not merely about assuming a higher rank but also about accepting greater responsibility, leadership and accountability. He highlighted the importance of legal knowledge, investigation skills, technology, discipline, integrity and professional conduct in modern policing.
Saxena expressed confidence that the induction of new personnel, professional advancement of serving personnel and the initiatives launched for police welfare and Fire & Rescue Services would make Ladakh's security and emergency response systems more modern, responsive, professional and people-centric—(KNO)