It’s time to pay tribute to our real heroes. We have often failed to take note of their contributions even as we come to discuss the various facts associated with terror related stories. More often than not we find these heroes whither into oblivion. Yes, I am talking about the roles played by the cops, who leave no some unturned in foiling the attempts of the criminals. This time too they displayed a heroic valour while fighting with terrorists who entered in bloodshed in various parts of the Mumbai.
I am talking about DIG Ashok Kamte (Additional Commissioner of Police), ATS chief Hemant Karkare and Vijay Salaskar , the encounter specialist who lost their lives while fighting with the terrorists. ‘My son was brave and I am proud of him.’ These were the words of retired Col Maruti Kamte, father of late Ashok Kamte.Not only he but the whole India is proud of him. Ashok Amte was a key officer in the State Police, who had a distinguished career. He attained immense popularity when he was commissioner of Police in Solapur.
Hemant Karkare, before joining the ATS, was involved with Research and Analysis Wing in Austria .He was the man behind startling revelations in Malegaon Bomb blasts. He was a disciplinarian, who never buckled under political pressure. Losing him is, indeed, a great loss for all of us.
Vijay Salaskar was a key man of encounter squad of Mumbai Police. Though he maintained a low profile, he always found himself amid dangerous gun battles with notorious criminals. He played an important part in eliminating people involved in gang wars. He was presently part of anti-extortion cell at Crime branch as it head. He eliminated as many as 75 criminals in various encounters.
All three of them laid down their lives together while fighting with the terrorists near Cama and Albless Hospital. Let’s also remember other police personnel who lost their lives in gun battles. We must also appreciate the role of NSG commandos, who fought tooth and nail with the terrorists to rescue foreigners held hostage by them.
We often criticize and condemn these police personnel and army men. For instance, army men are often made butt of ridicule for committing atrocities upon Kashmiris. However, it’s they who have played a large part in keeping J&K elections free of violence. In other words, it’s they who come to our rescue in times of crisis. They keep the prestige of nation intact. Not only during terrorist attacks but even during national calamities they come to play a significant role. So let the near and dear ones of these police personnel, who have lost their lives while fighting with terrorists in Mumbai, do not face discrimination at the hands of bureaucrats.
Let these bravehearts be always remembered for adding a glorious chapter in the Indian Police Service.
