Director General of Police Rashmi Ranjan Swain, a distinguished 1991 batch IPS officer, visited the martyrs’ memorial at Pratap Park on Monday to honor the security forces who sacrificed their lives in Jammu and Kashmir’s fight against insurgency. As Swain marked his retirement, he paid homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, reflecting on the profound significance of the memorial.
“A martyr’s memorial for a police officer is like a place of worship, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir where so many have laid down their lives. I feel fortunate to have served here, and there were times I thought I could have been among those who made the supreme sacrifice,” he said.
Swain’s retirement brings to an end a 30-year career, much of which was spent in Jammu and Kashmir during a period of intense conflict. He acknowledged the sacrifices of his colleagues and the hardships faced by the security forces in maintaining peace. “Their blood and sweat make this place the Balidhan Stambh,” he added.
Expressing gratitude for his tenure, Swain noted that serving in Jammu and Kashmir was a unique privilege not afforded to all officers. “I am thankful to the government and my colleagues for allowing me to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Reflecting on his years of service, Swain remarked that his primary goal was to foster peace and prosperity in the region. “Peace with dignity was not just a slogan—it was a challenging task. I did everything I could to bring happiness and remove fear, not just for the force but for the people as well.”
Swain emphasized that his efforts were aimed at ensuring a peaceful and fear-free life for everyone in the region. As he stepped down, he expressed satisfaction with the contributions he made, confident that he made the most of the opportunity.
Swain has been succeeded by Nalin Prabhat, who now serves as the Director General of Police (Law and Order) in Jammu and Kashmir.