Nagaland observes Police Commemoration Day

Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and others during Police Commemoration Day on October 21. (Morung Photo)

Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and others during Police Commemoration Day on October 21. (Morung Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 21

Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland Police today observed Police Commemoration Day by holding a ceremonial parade at New Police Reserve Phesama and paid tribute to 377 police personnel who laid down their lives on duty during the year.

Speaking on the occasion, Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton said, “We salute their valour and dedication and words can never describe their bravery, services, the spirit of sacrifices as they continue to inspire us all.”

In popular culture, Armed Forces are always lauded for their bravery and personal sacrifices they make, he said, adding “While in no manner undermining them, the bravery and sacrifices of police men and women require to be highlighted equally.”

While armed forces defend the nation against external aggression the police protect us against forces aiming to destabilize the country internally, he said.

Stating that in the process, a policeman makes many sacrifices, he said, “They sacrifice their family lives, social lives and holidays to ensure that society is safe. On a daily basis they combat anti-socials, terrorists and disruptive forces that threaten to tear our nation from inside and sacrifice their lives in line of duty. The sacrifice of a human life is the supreme sacrifice.”

In 2020, Patton said the Government of India, in recognition of the contributions made by Police, declared the period October 21 to 31 to be celebrated as Police Flag Day.

“Police plays the most important role of safeguarding the basic rights of citizens, like right to protection of life and personal liberty, which forms the basis of a welfare state. It is the strongest executive arm on which a democratic government relies in delivering services to its people. It is the ever visible face of governance,” he said.

“I am proud to state that Nagaland Police is performing their role very well,” he said. Patton also encouraged all the Police personnel to emulate the ideals of the fallen heroes to ensure the prevalence of peace, tranquility and progress in the society and to continue upholding the motto 'Security, Service and Sacrifice'.

Nagaland’s Director General of Police (DGP) T John Longkumer said the inception of the Police Commemoration Day dates back to a historical event that changed the perception on the sacrifices made by policemen.

The DGP briefed on significance of Police Commemoration day and the historical event dating back to 1959, when ten policemen were martyred by the Chinese troops in Ladakh, hence in remembering and honouring the brave policemen for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, October 21 was marked and observed every year.

“On this day, we remember the sacrifice of not only those killed in Ladakh, but of all other policemen killed in the line of duty every year,” Longkumer said.

The DGP said that this year, 377 policemen all over India have sacrificed their valuable lives while protecting the integrity and security of the country.

Longkumer also read out the roll of honour for the 14 COVID martyrs of Nagaland and the Dy CM handed over the ex- gratia to the next kin of the COVID martyrs.

Meanwhile, the Police Commemoration Day was also observed in other parts of the State on Thursday.

The Dimapur police observed the day at CP’s office, Dimapur on  October 21.

Speaking on the occassion, Commissioner of Police (CP), Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo informed that 14 police personnel lost their lives due to COVID during the past year, out of which four were from Dimapur district. The day was also marked by general salute,  presentation of ‘Roll of Honour’ to CP Dimapur, reading out of ‘Roll of Honour’, Laying of ‘Roll of Honour’ on the Cenotaph, ShokKar ‘Last post’ followed by 'Reveille',  Samarak Ko Salami and laying of wreaths by the CP followed by other officers and personnel, as per a DIPR report. The Police Commemoration Day was also observed in Phek district.

The control room 173 BN CRPF also observed the day at 173 Battalion CRPF, Headquater at Airfield, Dimapur. Vishnu Gautam, Commandant 173 Bn CRPF recalled the valor of the courageous police personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
He also encouraged that every force personnel should inculcate and follow their acts of bravery so that they can inspire future generations. The programme was attended by all ranks and files of the unit.