The government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir stated on Monday (May 23) that the national emblem will replace the image of former Chief Minister “Sher-i-Kashmir” Sheikh Abdullah imprinted on J&K Police medals.

Financial Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Raj Kumar Goyal said in the order, “In modification to the para 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Medal Scheme, the Sher-i-Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah embossed on side of the medal shall be replaced with ‘The National Emblem of the Government of India’ and the other side inscribed with the J&K state emblem shall be inscribed as ‘Jammu and Kashmir police Medal for Gallantry’ and Jammu and Kashmir Police Medal for Meritorious Service.”

The police medals were established in 2001 and are awarded in two categories: gallantry and meritorious, on New Year’s Day, Republic Day, and Independence Day.

The General Administration Department issued another directive on January 25 changing the name of the ‘Sher-i-Kashmir Police Medals’ to ‘Jammu and Kashmir Police Medals.’ The administration had also cancelled the public holiday on the birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah, often known as ‘Sher-i-Kashmir,’ some days before the January order was initiated.

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