Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid heartfelt tributes to India’s police personnel on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, honouring their courage, dedication, and supreme sacrifices in the line of duty.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “On Police Commemoration Day, we salute the courage of our police personnel and recall the supreme sacrifice by them in the line of duty. Their steadfast dedication keeps our nation and people safe. Their bravery and commitment in times of crisis and in moments of need are appreciable.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended greetings on the occasion, acknowledging the invaluable service of the police forces in ensuring the nation’s internal security.
“Warm greetings to the police personnel on Police Commemoration Day. As first responders, our forces have scripted glory by thwarting crimes and threats to internal security, and by protecting citizens’ rights with exemplary courage and commitment. My solemn homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives serving the nation,” he said on X.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the Police Commemoration Day programme held at the National Police Memorial (NPM) in New Delhi, where he paid floral tributes to the fallen heroes.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said, “This is the day to remember the supreme sacrifices made by our police and paramilitary forces. I pay my tributes to those who have fallen in the line of duty to protect the citizens of this nation.”
He also highlighted the crucial link between society and the police, stating that both are co-dependent.
“Any society can only move towards peace and progress when it has a strong sense of security, justice, and trust. Our police personnel are responsible for all three. At the same time, the police can function effectively only when society cooperates with them and respects the law,” he said, emphasising the need for balanced collaboration between law enforcement and the public.
Singh further underlined that every country’s security rests on two pillars – external and internal security – adding that while the armed forces and coast guard safeguard the borders, it is the police who ensure internal stability through coordination with intelligence agencies.
In Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis paid floral tributes to the martyrs at the Police Headquarters, Naigaon, and interacted with families of the fallen personnel.
“CM Devendra Fadnavis humbly offered floral tributes to the brave police personnel who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He also greeted diplomats, dignitaries, and families of martyrs present for the Police Commemoration Day Parade,” the CMO Maharashtra said in a post on X.
Police Commemoration Day, observed every year on October 21, commemorates the valour of ten police personnel who were martyred in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959. The day has since been dedicated to honouring all police personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
In recognition of these sacrifices, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the National Police Memorial at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, on Police Commemoration Day in 2018. The memorial symbolises the unity, pride, and resilience of India’s police forces. It comprises a 30-foot-high granite monolith cenotaph, a ‘Wall of Valour’, and a museum chronicling the history and evolution of policing in India.
The memorial serves as a place of reverence and remembrance for police personnel and citizens alike. Each year, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) organise a series of commemorative events at the site from October 22 to 30, including family visits of martyrs, police band displays, motorcycle rallies, “Run for Fallen Policemen,” blood donation camps, and essay and painting competitions for children.
(With agency inputs)