Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday paid solemn tributes to police and paramilitary personnel on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, laying a wreath at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi.
The day marks the sacrifice of 10 brave policemen who laid down their lives in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, on October 21, 1959.
Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister paid glowing tributes to the fallen heroes and expressed deep gratitude to the police and paramilitary forces for their unwavering service to the nation.
He described the armed forces and police as the twin pillars of India’s national security. “While the military protects the country’s geographical integrity, the police safeguard society and social integrity. Both have the same mission – to protect the nation. As we look towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, balancing external and internal security is more important than ever,” Singh said.
Highlighting contemporary security challenges, he said that while there remains instability along India’s borders, new threats such as organised crime, terrorism, and ideological conflicts are emerging within society. “Crime today is more organised, invisible, and complex, aimed at spreading chaos and undermining trust in the system,” he observed.
Commending the police for their vigilance and moral responsibility, the minister said, “If citizens sleep peacefully today, it is because of their confidence in our vigilant armed forces and alert police. This confidence forms the foundation of our nation’s stability.”
Referring to the fight against Left-Wing Extremism, Singh noted that the combined efforts of the police, CRPF, BSF, and local administration have significantly reduced the problem. “Several top Naxalites have been neutralised this year. Those who once took up arms against the state are now surrendering and joining the mainstream. Areas once known as the Red Corridor are transforming into growth corridors,” he said, adding that he was confident the issue would be fully resolved by March next year.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the Narendra Modi government’s measures to modernise and honour the police forces. He recalled the establishment of the National Police Memorial in 2018, calling it a long-overdue recognition of the sacrifices made by police personnel. “Today, our police are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, surveillance systems, drones, forensic labs, and digital policing tools. Adequate resources are being provided to states to modernise their forces,” he said, urging for “better coordination and integration” among security agencies for optimal results.
Singh further emphasised the need for a balanced relationship between society and the police, calling them interdependent. “Effective policing can only happen when citizens work as partners and respect the law. When there is mutual understanding and responsibility, both society and police prosper,” he added.
A joint parade of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Delhi Police was held as part of the commemoration. The ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, IB Director Tapan Deka, BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary, senior officials from CAPFs, retired police chiefs, and members of the police fraternity.