Protection of citizens top priority: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren

CM pays homage to 21 martyred Jharkhand Jaguar jawans

Mail News Service

Ranchi, Feb 19: Protecting all citizens and creating a peaceful environment for one and all is the top priority of the state government. This was observed by Chief Minister Hemant Soren here on the occasion of the 14^th foundation day celebrations of the Jharkhand Jaguar at its state headquarters in Tendergram, Ranchi, on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, Soren said Jharkhand Jaguar had played a pivotal role in keeping peace in different parts of the state. Ever since its inception in the year 2008, Jharkhand Jaguar has come a long way, he said.

“We have lost many of our brave jawans who sacrificed their lives for the nation. I offer my humble and sincerest tributes to them and salute them for their bravery,” said the CM.

Soren paid tribute to all those 21 jawans of the battalion who sacrificed their lives fighting against extremism in the state.

Soren said Naxalites had created an environment of fear in the beautiful and naturally well-endowed state of Jharkhand. “The Naxalites changed the beautiful and scenic environment into a negative atmosphere by misguiding the innocent people of the state. But Jharkhand police and Jharkhand Jaguar jawans played a vital role in eliminating extremism from various parts of the state and making the situation better. We all need to forge ahead with similar thoughts and aim,” he said.

The CM said the state government stood in solidarity with the kin of martyred soldiers and police personnel.

The list of martyrs of the battalion raised 14 years ago on the line of Andhra Pradesh’ GreyHound includes Inderdev Singh, Om Prakash Prasad, Mohan Kumar Neeraj, Ashok Kumar, Budhwa Munda, Gopal Lakra, Samresh Tiwari, Mukesh Kumar Sharma, Manoj Bakhala, Krishna Prasad, Ajit Odeya, Parmanand Chaudhary, Kundan Kumar Singh, Devkumar Mahato, Ajay Kujur, Khanjan Kumar Mahto, Akhilesh Ram, Hardwar Sah, Devendra Kumar Pandit, Kiran Surin and Rajesh. Family members of the martyrs were also present on the occasion.

A parade was organized on the occasion at battalion headquarters in Tender village. The chief minister inspected the raising day parade.  After the parade, the jawans presented a mock drill showing how they carry out operations against extremists.

Rajiv Arun Ekka, Principal Secretary to CM, too, addressed the gathering. He said today’s day was a memorable one for Jharkhand Jaguar whose jawans were martyred for the nation. He said Naxalite incidents had declined in the state and the entire state was proud of the force.   

Also present on the occasion, Jharkhand DGP Neeraj Sinha said Jharkhand Jaguar jawans had done a commendable job in adverse situations. He said the force had carved a niche for itself in a small span. Efforts are on to upgrade and modernize this force, he said.

Many senior police officials of the state were also present during today’s programme.