Jammu, January 14 (Scoop News) The Director General of Police (DGP),  Kuldeep Khoda said that the supreme sacrifices of Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security forces have helped to bring the State back on the rails of normalcy. He said that with the culmination of militancy, people of the State are now feeling themselves in a peaceful atmosphere.

 Khoda was speaking on the concluding ceremony of 2nd Police Martyrs Memorial T-20 Cricket Tournament at Kathua here today. The  tournament was organized by Jammu and Kashmir Police in the memory of Police martyrs, who offered their precious lives while fighting for the national cause. The tournament is being organized annually in which prominent teams in and outside of the State exhibit their talent. He said that Jammu and Kashmir Police is making all efforts to cultivate sports talent in the youth. For this the force is organizing various sports activities throughout the year at different levels under its civic action programme.

The DGP said that the activities have helped in enthusing the youth of the State for greater participation in sports. He said that the events have served as a bridge of understanding and good will between the people and police. Paying tributes to police martyrs, he said that sacrifices of these martyrs have made Jammu and Kashmir Police proud and their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

On the occasion,  Khoda had an interaction with the family members of martyrs and enquired about their welfare. He assured them that whole police parivar is with them and they should not feel themselves alone. Floral tributes were paid to the photo gallery exhibited at the venue. A cultural programme was presented by the school children also. In the final match Punjab State Power Corporation defeated Sandhu Cricket Club Ludhiana and thus lifted the championship.  Khoda congratulated the winner team and also thanked the players for their participation, who had come from different parts of North India. He thanked the organising committee and the civil society for coordinating and organising the event in a befitting manner.  He also gave away trophies and mementos among the participating teams.

Earlier, giving details about the tournament, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, (Jammu Kathua Range),  Farooq  Khan said that the tournament began on December 11, 2011 and was played on knockout basis. 22 teams from North India and the state participated in the tournament which included BSNL India, Chandigrah, Haryana, Delhi, Pathankote, Amritsar and the state teams included Shopian, Reasi, Poonch, Udhampur, Kuthua and Jammu. He thanked J&K Cricket Association, who had collaborated with the championship and extended full logistic support to Organising committee in conducting the championship.

Among others, the concluding function was attended by the Additional Director of General, Armed/Law & Order,  K.Rajendra Kumar,  Inspectors General of Police, Dr. B.Srinivas,  A.K.Choudhary and  Gulzar Singh Salathia, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Dr. K.K.Saini and  Jonny William, SSsP,  J.L.Sharma and  Israr Ahmed Khan, Principal PTS Kathua,  Ashok Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner,   Kathua, Ms Zahida Khan, Chairman J&K Cricket Association,  M.M.Ghoni, Member J&K Cricket Association,  R.Kalra and senior police officers and prominent citizens.