The Jammu and Kashmir Police has scripted history this Independence Day 2025 by securing a record 127 Gallantry Medals, the highest tally among all police forces in India. This extraordinary achievement, announced by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, places J&K Police at the forefront of national recognition for bravery and service.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs released the official list of medal recipients across the Police, Fire, Home Guard, Civil Defence, and Correctional Services. Among the thousands of personnel considered, J&K Police emerged as the undisputed leader in gallantry awards.
These Gallantry Medals honor acts of exceptional courage, distinguished service, and meritorious contributions in some of the toughest operational environments in the country.
In addition to the 127 Gallantry Medals, J&K Police officers were honored with two President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service (PSM) and 14 Police Medals for Meritorious Service (MSM). This impressive combination reflects not only battlefield bravery but also decades of unwavering dedication to duty.
Operating in one of India’s most volatile regions, the Jammu and Kashmir Police has faced constant challenges — from counter-insurgency missions to crowd control and anti-terror operations. The 2025 award list is a testament to the force’s indispensable role in maintaining law and order and safeguarding the lives of millions in the Union Territory.
The force’s commitment extends beyond combat situations, encompassing disaster response, community engagement, and proactive crime prevention measures.
Outperforming Other Police Forces
The numbers speak for themselves:
- J&K Police – 127 Gallantry Medals
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) – 20 medals
- Chhattisgarh Police – 14 medals
- Uttar Pradesh Police – 17 medals
- Odisha Police – 9 medals
This overwhelming lead underscores the unmatched operational intensity in Jammu and Kashmir, where officers regularly confront high-risk situations that demand split-second decision-making and extraordinary courage.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Crime Jammu and Kashmir, Sujit Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, and Martyr DySP Himayun Muzzamil are among the 127 police officers who have been awarded the Gallantry Medal (GM) on the Independence Day 2025. Muzzamil, also a Kirti Chakra awardee (posthumously), attained martyrdom while fighting terrorists in an encounter in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on September 13, 2023.
Behind each medal lies a story of sacrifice. Many J&K Police personnel operate under constant threat, often risking their lives to protect citizens. The recognition they received on this Independence Day is not only a personal honor but also a tribute to the collective strength of the entire force.
Senior police officials emphasized that these awards would serve as motivation for younger officers and inspire them to carry forward the legacy of valor and service.
The J&K Police’s achievements resonate beyond the Union Territory. Their expertise in handling complex insurgency scenarios, coupled with innovative policing methods, sets a benchmark for law enforcement agencies across India.
The force continues to modernize its infrastructure, upgrade training programs, and adopt advanced technologies to remain ahead of evolving threats. With the recognition received this year, the morale of the J&K Police has reached new heights, ensuring that their commitment to protecting the nation remains unwavering.
