Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police emerged as the most decorated force among Union Territories in this year’s Independence Day police awards, with a total of 51 personnel selected for gallantry and service decorations announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Overview of awards and ranking
The official state-wise summary released by the Ministry of Home Affairs placed the Union Territory at fourth nationally in the police medal tally, behind Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. Jammu and Kashmir’s haul comprises 38 Medals for Gallantry (GM), 1 President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 13 Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM), bringing the UT’s total to 51.
| Category | J&K Count |
|---|---|
| Medal for Gallantry (GM) | 38 |
| President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) | 1 |
| Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) | 13 |
| Total | 51 |
Nationally, the MHA announced 961 police awardees across categories: 272 received the Medal for Gallantry, 83 were awarded the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, and 606 were chosen for the Medal for Meritorious Service.
Senior officer honoured
Among Jammu and Kashmir recipients, Senior Superintendent of Police Showket Hussain Shah was the lone officer from the Union Territory to be conferred the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service, the MHA summary showed. The President’s Medal recognises prolonged, exemplary service and leadership in policing.
Gallantry awards reflect operational role
The bulk of Jammu and Kashmir’s awards came in the gallantry category, indicating recognition for acts of bravery and operational effectiveness. The list of gallantry medal recipients from the Union Territory includes names such as Rayees Ahmad Reshi, Waseem Mohi-Ud-Din Lone, Manzoor Ahmad, Mudasir Ahmad, Sarfaraz Bashir and Ashiq Huss among others.
"The awards recognise exceptional courage in the line of duty, distinguished leadership and sustained meritorious service in policing and internal security."
Officials said the decorations are meant to acknowledge personnel who displayed courage in operations, leadership in challenging assignments and sustained meritorious service. The recognition comes amid continuing focus on internal security, counter-terrorism operations and community policing efforts across the Union Territory.
Context and local impact
Jammu and Kashmir has been a primary focus of central and local security agencies for decades. Medal announcements provide an official measure of frontline performance and are closely watched by families of security personnel and local communities affected by security operations. The high number of gallantry medals underlines the intensity and frequency of field duties undertaken by police personnel in the UT.
- Total J&K awardees: 51
- Gallantry medals: 38
- President’s Medal (Distinguished Service): 1
Recipients of the Medals for Meritorious Service typically include officers and personnel who have demonstrated long-term commitment, administrative excellence or notable contributions to policing initiatives such as community outreach, crime prevention and institutional reforms.
Procedural notes
The Ministry of Home Affairs selects police awardees after a process of nominations and review. Names forwarded by state and UT governments are examined centrally before final approval. The decorations are announced on the eve of Independence Day and usually conferred in subsequent ceremonial functions involving senior officials.
Family members of awardees, serving colleagues and local councils often hold events to honour recipients. The awards serve both as formal recognition and as a morale booster for forces engaged in sustained security duties across difficult terrain and complex operational environments.
As the Union Territory marks this recognition, authorities and citizens said the decorations reaffirm the role played by police personnel in maintaining law and order while carrying out operations that, according to the official summary, warranted formal distinction.
