‘Honour martyrs with even hand’

PAYING TRIBUTE

Mateen Hafeez | TNN

Mumbai: Families of the police personnel who died during 26/11 terror attacks underscored on Tuesday the importance of honouring the country’s martyrs and of bestowing gallantry awards with an even hand.

Madhavi More, wife of LT Marg police sub-inspector Prakash More who died at Cama Hospital, said: “Many policemen, irrespective of their rank, fought terrorists. And several of them lost their lives. Some were awarded the Ashok Chakra, some were conferred the Shaurya Chakra and some the Kirti Chakra.” Prakash was conferred Shaurya Chakra posthumously.

“When the awards were announced, I had contacted everyone possible and told them the process should be carried out even-handedly. Everybody’s life is precious,” Madhavi said. She was given an LPG agency, which is today her main source of income.

More than 15 policemen and two National Security Guard commandos were killed during the 2008 terror attacks, when Ajmal Kasab and nine other terrorists went on the rampage at various locations in Mumbai. More than 160 civilians died in the attacks. Nine terrorists were shot down and Kasab was captured alive.

Tara Omble, wife of constable Tukaram Omble who played a vital role in capturing Kasab,
said: “My husband was the only police constable to be awarded the Ashok Chakra. I collected the award. I feel all those who sacrificed their lives in the act of protecting the nation should be treated equally,” Tara told The Times of India.

A family member of another policeman who died in 26/11 echoed Tara. Talking to TOI on condition of anonymity, the family member said, “Everyone is beloved in his or her family. When a group of security personnel goes for an operation and several of the men lose their lives for the country, it is the country’s duty to treat them equally.”

The Times of India, March 28, 2012