Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma and others during the Police Commemoration Day outside PHQ Kohima on October 21. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 21
Along with the rest of the nation, the Nagaland Police today observed Police Commemoration Day with a ceremonial parade at PHQ Kohima, calling for a renewed commitment to public service.
Paying homage to the supreme sacrifices of policemen from all over India, Nagaland’s Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma and several police officers laid wreaths at the cenotaph and paid respect to the 186 police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the preceding year.
“Today, let us renew our pledge to serve our people, to secure and maintain the integrity of our nation, and make the supreme sacrifice when needed,” Sharma said while addressing the gathering.
This year, 186 policemen across India have sacrificed their valuable lives while contributing to protect the integrity and security of the nation, he said.
Among them was Constable Chandan Das of the 9th NAP (IR) from Nagaland, who died in harness, performing his duty with dedication to his last breath.
“His martyrdom is acknowledged with reverence as we salute the services rendered by him and extend our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family,” the DGP conveyed.
He also placed on record his appreciation for the unwavering dedication and commitment of all personnel of the Nagaland Police.
“Their resolute efforts in maintaining law and order and ensuring public peace have strengthened the police delivery system in the State, bringing honour to the Force and earning the trust of the citizens,” he stated.
Sharma, however, noted that the day is not merely for mourning or lamenting losses but for celebrating the spirit of selfless sacrifice of police personnel who have become immortal through their deeds.
“It is a day to reflect on their martyrdom, which will remain an example for emulation before us,” he added.
The historical significance of Police Commemoration Day dates back to October 21, 1959, when a CRPF mobile patrol party led by DCIO (Deputy Central Intelligence Officer) Karam Singh was ambushed by Chinese troops at Hot Springs in Ladakh.
A total of 10 personnel were killed on the spot, and the rest were taken as prisoners. The Chinese forces later returned the bodies of the fallen soldiers on November 13, 1959, and the cremation of the martyrs took place the following day at Hot Springs, located at an altitude of 16,000 feet.
In 1960, the Heads of Police of all States of India, in a conference, decided to observe October 21 as "Police Commemoration Day" throughout India to honour the sacrifice of all Indian policemen killed in the line of duty.
