Morung Express News
Phesama | October 21
Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland Police today observed Police Commemoration Day at New Reserve Phesama, Kohima. C.P. Giri, Additional Director General of Police (OPS), Nagaland said that the annual police commemoration day parade is observed all over the country on October 21 to pay homage to the valiant police martyrs who have laid down their lives at the altar of duty. J. Changkija, DGP Nagaland led the laying of wreaths on the occasion.
On this day the October 21 in 1959, a small contingent of the Indian Police made a valiant and heroic stand against the illegal incursion of strong Chinese Army who intruded inside Indian Territory at a place known as “Hot Spring” in Ladak under Jammu & Kashmir state.
Following this heroic exploit of the brave Indian police contingent, the Chief of Police of the states and Union Territories in their conference of 1960 resolved to accord befitting tribute by declaring 21st October every year as “National Police Commemoration Day” to mark the heroic and the supreme sacrifice of men- in Khakhi, the Indian police men and police women.
As per the information received from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Indian, 717 policemen have lost their lives in the line of duty in the country during the last 12 months, said Giri adding that in the ‘Roll of Honour,’ nine police personnel from Nagaland are included. “This parade is therefore being held to remember those nine gallant policemen of our force together with 717 policemen of sister forces from all over the country and to pay them our homage,” said Giri.
Those nine police personnel killed or met with unnatural death on duty from Nagaland during the period 1.9. 2006 to 31.8.2007 included; Saratho Pochury, Apong Chang, Lima Wati, Marchiten Jamir, Imnawati Ao, Mayangchiba Walling, Chumkie Sangtam, T. Mgheo Lotha and Mapangulo Lashushe. “On this solemn occasion let us all understand and reinforce the belief that violence and deaths through violent acts are to be shunned by one and all,” said Giri adding that the loss of the precious life of a citizen is a great loss to the society. The police personnel being the protectors of the society, he said, their death is greater loss to the society and the nation as a whole.
However, such deaths should not deter any police officer or man from taking risks while performing duties. Rather, we should draw more courage and inspiration to take any kind of challenge in the course of our duties, he said. Giri also reminded the gathering that “it is our bounden duty to remember the families and children of those who have made the supreme sacrifice and extend all possible help to make them feel that the sacrifice of their breadwinner was not in vain.”
It will also sustain their confidence in the police leadership and the police service. Such a helping hand will also reassure and give added strength to the serving policemen to face the hazards and risks involved in the job with dedication and confidence, he said. Giri was hopeful that all the police officers and men of Nagaland Police will draw inspiration from those officers and men who have made the supreme sacrifice and “made all of us proud of being in police force.” “Let us solemnly re-affirm and rededicate ourselves to our profession, service and commitment and serve the society, state and the Nation to the best of our ability,” he added. Earlier, Ramakant Gupta, AIGP (OPS) read out the 717 names figured in the ‘Roll of Honour’ on behalf of DGP and all who have gathered to pay them homage.
