JAMMU, Jun 26: Decorated Army veteran Col R.K. Sharma, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra and Sena Medal (Retd.), on Friday expressed deep concern over the reported altercation between personnel of the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Kishtwar, describing the incident as highly unfortunate and contrary to the collective mission of safeguarding peace, security and public confidence in the Union Territory.
In a statement issued here, Col Sharma said both the Indian Army and the J&K Police have made unparalleled sacrifices over the past several decades in combating terrorism, preserving law and order and protecting the unity and integrity of the nation. Any misunderstanding or confrontation between the two premier security forces, he said, weakens operational synergy and sends an undesirable message at a time when seamless coordination among all security agencies remains crucial.
Paying glowing tributes to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Col Sharma said the force has consistently demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment while operating under extremely challenging circumstances. He noted that numerous police personnel have laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism, earning the respect and admiration of the entire nation.
“The Indian Army and the J&K Police are not separate entities working at cross purposes. They are made for each other. One department possesses accurate grassroots intelligence while the other has unmatched operational capability. Together, they accomplish the mission,” he said.Emphasising the deep bond shared by the two organisations, Col Sharma remarked, “The colour of the uniform may be different, but the colour of the blood is the same.”
Highlighting the formula that guided successful counter-insurgency operations during his service, he said, “We always worked on the principle of ‘Dare, Care and Share’—dare to confront the enemy, care for one another on the battlefield and share intelligence, resources and responsibilities. That is how missions are won in Jammu and Kashmir.”Recalling his years of service in the Union Territory, the decorated veteran said he had the privilege of serving shoulder to shoulder with officers and personnel of the J&K Police during several counter-insurgency operations.
“When bullets were flying, they would stop me from moving ahead alone. And when I was hit by grenade splinters and bullets, those very brothers pulled me back from the line of fire. Those moments created a bond that cannot be forgotten,” he recalled.Describing the relationship between the Army and the Police as one built on mutual trust, professional respect and seamless coordination, Col Sharma said, “I have wonderful memories of serving alongside the brave men and women of the J&K Police. Our close coordination, mutual confidence and shared commitment enabled us to overcome numerous security challenges. That spirit of camaraderie must continue to guide both forces.”
Appealing to personnel of both organisations to move beyond the unfortunate episode, he said, “Forget Atholi. Remember the brotherhood. Because the job is not completed yet.”Col Sharma observed that while operational misunderstandings may occasionally arise in any large organisation, such issues should always be resolved through established institutional mechanisms, dialogue and leadership intervention rather than confrontation. He cautioned that visible differences between the Army and the Police could provide anti-national and disruptive elements an opportunity to spread misinformation, erode public confidence and attempt to create divisions between institutions that have jointly defended Jammu and Kashmir against terrorism for decades.
He stressed that mutual respect, regular communication and continuous coordination at every level remain indispensable for maintaining operational harmony, adding that both organisations complement each other’s strengths while sharing the enormous responsibility of ensuring peace and responding to evolving security challenges.Appealing to officers and personnel of both forces to uphold the highest traditions of discipline, restraint and professionalism, Col Sharma said the people of Jammu and Kashmir repose immense faith in both the Indian Army and the J&K Police.”It is our collective responsibility to preserve that trust through exemplary conduct, mutual cooperation and unwavering commitment to national service,” he said.
Expressing confidence that the matter would be resolved amicably, Col Sharma urged the leadership of both institutions to reinforce the spirit of teamwork and coordination that has long been the cornerstone of successful counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Concluding his appeal, the decorated war veteran said, “The strength of our security architecture lies not merely in the bravery of individual personnel but in the unity of purpose among all security agencies. When the Army and the J&K Police stand together with mutual respect and shared resolve, no force can undermine the peace, security and progress of Jammu and Kashmir. The challenges before us are far from over, and our unity remains our greatest strength.”