JAMMU, February 23: Director General of Police, J&K, Shri Dilbag Singh inaugurated the 9th Police Martyrs Memorial North Zone T20 Cricket Championship, being organized by J&K Police and Shaheed Welfare Committee at Sports Stadium in Kathua today here in the presence of Police Martyrs families.

Accompanied by IGP Jammu, Shri Mukesh Singh, DIG Doda- Kishtwar Ramban range, Sh. Bhim Sen Tuti and, the DGP on his arrival laid wreaths on the martyr memorial Kathua and paid a rich tribute to police martyrs.

While speaking on the occasion, the DGP said that J&K Police which is working day in and day out to protect and safeguard the interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir has the history of sacrifices and over the period of times we have lost over 1650 Jawans and officers for the cause. He said that the mega event conceptualized in 2010/2011, reflects the gratitude and respect J& K Police has for its Jawans and officers who bravely give away their lives for the safety and integrity of the motherland.



He said that situation post August 05, 2019 was contained without any major law and order incident and with no civilian causality shows the efficiency and commitment of Jammu and Kashmir police anlong with other security forces. The DGP said that Jammu and Kashmir Police force is one among the top police forces of India which has been honoured by President of India. He said that Jammu and Kashmir Police is performing a vital role in wiping out the terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir and added that this force has been working and will continue to work with more perseverance so that peaceful environment is provided to the people of J&K.



DGP said that the Pakistan sponsored terrorists in order spread fear among people killed some civilians, and also warned the transporters and businessmen and schools to observe the showdown, but by the sheer professionalism and dedicated efforts of Jammu and Kashmir Police, other security forces and cooperation of public their evil attempts were foiled and peace has now return in the Valley.

The DGP said the Pakistan is continuously attempting to foment trouble in Jammu and Kashmir and there has been increased infiltration attempts by Pakistan to replenish the depleted terrorist strength in Kashmir valley but our forces on borders are responding strongly and in recent times a number of infiltrations attempts were foiled. He said that the terrorists who managed to infiltrate here are being hunted and killed. Sighting the example of Nagrota encounter in which three JeM terrorists were killed, the DGP said the terrorists infiltrated just one day before they were gunned down at Nagrota Jammu.



After declaring the tournament open, Shri Singh was introduced with players of the teams in opening tie.



As many as 16 teams drawn from North Zone are participating in the Championship. The the man of series will get grand prize of Alto car and winner team will be receiving Rs 3 lakh as cash prize and runners-up team will get Rs 2.25 lakh as cash prize. Best bowler of tournament, best batsman, man of match in final will be presented motor cycle each.

SSP Kathua while welcoming the DGP, J&K, other dignitaries and family of Martyrs said that Police Martyrs Cricket tournament was first organized in 2010-2011 and has now made its place as one of the best and mega event in North India. He thanked all the sponsors of the event for their overwhelming support. He thanked the DGP, J&K for making this tournament as the part of Jammu and Kashmir Police sports calendar. He informed that out of 16 teams participating in the tournament, eleven teams are from outside J&K.