Modern police role goes beyond ensuring physical security: DGP

Nagaland Police pays tribute to martyrs on Police Commemoration Day

Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 21

Nagaland Police today joined the nation in observing Police Commemoration Day at PHQ Kohima and paid tribute to police personnel who laid their lives on duty during the year. 

Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma and other police officers laid wreath at the cenotaph and paid respect to the 189 police personnel who had sacrificed their lives for the security and safety of the country during the year. A two minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to those police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“Today, we gather to commemorate the Indian Police Commemoration Day to remind ourselves of a rich history of Indian Police. This day reminds us of the dynamism that has helped us evolve over time and also our duties towards serving as the guardians of law and order in our great nation in changing times,” said Nagaland DGP while addressing the parade.

In remembrance of this sacrifice and as a mark of respect to all police personnel who have laid down their lives in the service of the nation, the Indian Police Commemoration Day was officially instituted. “It serves as a day to honour the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to maintain peace and security in our country. This day is a solemn occasion to pay tribute to the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their fellow citizens from security threats - both internal and external and seen and unseen ones,” Sharma said.

He said that policemen and women shoulder the heavy responsibility of maintaining peace, order, and security, often at great personal risk and separation from their families. They work tirelessly, day and night, and frequently make enormous personal sacrifices to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens. The dedication and commitment are truly commendable, he said.

“Today, it is with heavy hearts that we remember the 189 Indian Police personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice, laying down their lives to secure the internal security of our country,” he said.

Among these brave souls, DGP said that Nagaland Police recognized the two Nagaland policemen L/Nk T. Zewangba Yim of 3d NAP and CN Kevisekho Khate of 10 NAP (IR) who were part of this sacrifice. “Their selflessness and valour has protected our homeland and preserved our way of life,” he said.

DGP said that a modern policeman’s role goes beyond just ensuring physical security of fellow citizens. It also involves making people safe from threats and fear in the society. For these sacrifices, the police department and the society should remember the invaluable contributions police make to our well being, he said. Police serves as first responders in times of natural disasters, help manage traffic, and are often the unsung heroes during crisis, be it a pandemic or a riot or cyber crimes etc, he said.

“As we reflect on the sacrifices and valour of our police force, let us be inspired by our brave martyrs and pledge to continue their noble mission. May we always remember and honour the sacrifices of the fallen, and may our police force remain steadfast in our mission to protect and serve our great nation,” he said.

About Police Commemoration Day
Sharma said that the Indian Police Commemoration Day, observed on October 21 each year, has its origins in a tragic event in 1959 involving a rescue mission led by DCIO Karam Singh. On that fateful day, a group of Indian police personnel in Aksai, Chin area of, Ladakh, was ambushed by Chinese forces.

Ten brave Indian policemen lost their lives in the line of duty. The dead bodies of the deceased were handed over by the Chinese on November 13, 1959 and cremated at 8 am on November 14 at the hot springs in Ladakh. A martyrs memorial was erected there.

Every year, police party visits the hot springs, which is located in an extremely difficult altitude of 16000 feet to pay homage at the memorial.

In 1960, the heads of police of all states of India decided in a conference to observe October 21 as Police Commemoration Day throughout India.

“On this day, we remember the sacrifice of not only those killed in Ladakh but also acknowledge the sacrifices of all Indian police men and women who laid down their lives in the line of duty,” Sharma said.