Mail News Service
Ranchi, Nov 14: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren called upon the Maoists to return to the mainstream with the assurance of providing them a life of honour and employment opportunities. He said, “I urge upon all extremists to surrender their arms and come back to the mainstream to lead a life of dignity. The state government will provide them all means to walk the straight path. They will be provided jobs and several other employment opportunities,” observed Chief Minister Hemant Soren while addressing police officers, jawans and the families of martyrs on Sunday on the occasion of Jharkhand State Foundation Day Parade decoration ceremony held at JAP – 1 Ground.
Torrential rains did not deter the spirit of the occasion as Chief Minister Hemant Soren inspected a guard-of-honour and took the salute. He honored 57 police officers and jawans with medals of excellence.
The Chief Minister said, “We are proud of our brave police personnel. The dedication and indomitable courage with which our police officers and jawans have surmounted various challenges especially in a state with a difficult geographical terrain, cannot be adequately expressed in words. Your morale is contagious and is the epicenter of the strength and faith of three and a half crore population of the state living amid peace and tranquility. I am sure that you will maintain your morale in the
manner that you have made your trademark.”
Speaking of the role of the police forces in controlling insurgency, Chief Minister Hemant Soren remarked, “We have seen a deluge of ups and downs in the last 20 years since attaining Statehood. We achieved many milestones but also faced severe challenges and critical situations. Many jawans were martyred in their line of duties. Still, your morale did not soften. You are fulfilling your responsibilities with total honesty and sincerity.”
The Chief Minister noted that after the formation of a separate state, Jharkhand was counted among the most militancy-affected states in the country. “But you have given a befitting reply to the militants with your strength. Today planning, maneuvers and above all, your guts behind operations have harnessed extremism and extremist activities to a wide extent. The citizens are proud of the fact that in tandem with bringing extremists and extremist activities largely under control, you have curbed antisocial elements and criminal organizations operating in the guise of extremism.”
Police officers and jawans honored
The Chief Minister honored 57 police officers and jawans with medals of excellence. One police officer was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal, 27 police officers and jawans were given Chief Minister’s Gallantry Medal and 29 other police officers and jawans were awarded Meritorious Service Medal. Officers and jawans of Jharkhand Armed Police-1, Jharkhand Armed Police-2, Battalion of Wireless, Jharkhand Armed Police-10 (Women Corps), Indian Reserve Battalion-5, Ranchi District Force and Jharkhand Jaguar participated in the parade organized on the occasion. Jharkhand Armed Police Battalion-1, Jharkhand Armed Police Battalion-10 and Jharkhand Police Academy, Hazaribagh bands added the vital pep to the proceedings. Other officials present at the parade included Principal Secretary-cum-Principal Secretary of the Department of Home, Prisons and Disaster Management, Rajiv Arun Ekka, Director General of Police Neeraj Sinha and Rail DG Ajay Kumar Singh, along with many police officers and relatives of the martyred soldiers were present at the parade ground.
Main aim to bring smile on every face
The Chief Minister said that some youth had strayed away from the mainstream due to various reasons. He urged them to return to the mainstream in the interest of the state. He said that the government would provide the right to live with dignity and would provide employment to the youth returning to the mainstream. The Chief Minister averred, “The government is working with full commitment to reach the people sitting in the last row. Our main aim is to bring smile on every face for which, many welfare schemes have been launched. The government is drawing up an action plan to ensure all possibilities and avenues of self respect for all.”
Beautification of JAP-1 Ground, introduction of more facilities
The Chief Minister said that the JAP -1 Ground at Doranda had historical significance. “This Ground has been witness to many big and important celebrations and events. Along with the beautification of this ground, all facilities will be made available so that it can be used in a better way,” he said. He also announced that the roads in the JAP-1 campus would be re-laid with tar coating.