The Police Commemoration Day was observed on 21 October 2023 at Police Headquarters, Kohima jointly by Officers and all ranks of PHQ, IGP (INT), DIGP (NPTO) and DEF Kohima led by the Director General of Police who took the general salute at 8:00 pm. A parade was organised for this solemn occasion consisting of four platoons, one each from DEF Kohima, 4th NAP Bn, 10th NAP(IR) Bn, 15th NAP(IR)Bn accompanied by an auxiliary brass band with N Jongpongnungsang as the parade Commander.
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In 1960, the heads of Police of all states of India decided in a conference to observe 21s October as Police Commemoration Day throughout India. On this day we remember the sacrifice of not only those killed in Ladakh but also acknowledges the sacrifices of all Indian Police men and Women who laid down their lives in the line of duty. This day is a solemn occasion to pay tribute to the heroes who had made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their fellow citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General of Police, Rupin Sharma, IPS said that Indian Police Commemoration Day is observed to remind ourselves of a rich history of Indian Police and its dynamism that has helped us evolve over time towards our duties as the guardians of law and order in changing times.
He also highlighted its origin that had happened in a tragic event in 1959 involving a rescue mission led by DCIO, Karam Singh. He mentioned that on that fateful day, a group of Indian police personnel in Aksai Chin area of Ladakh was ambushed by Chinese forces where 10 (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 the 13th of November 1959 and cremated on the 14th of November at the hot springs in Ladakh. He also said that martyrs’ memorial was erected there and every year a Police party visits the hot springs, which is located in an extremely difficult altitude of 16,000 feet to pay homage.
Sharma highlighted that in 1960, the heads of Police of all states of India decided in a conference to observe 21st October as Police Commemoration Day throughout India and to remember the sacrifices 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.
He also said the day is observed as a day to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices 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 sacrifices while serving their fellow citizens from security threats – both internal and external and seen and unseen ones, he added.
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. Today, it is with heavy hearts that we remember the 189 Indian Police personnel who made the ultimate sacrifices by laying down their lives to secure the internal security of our country. Among these brave souls, we must recognize two Nagaland policemen L/Nk, T Zewangba Yim of 3d NAP and CN, Kevisekho Khate of 10 NAP (R) who were part of this sacrifice.
The list of the 189 martyrs was read out by Tokavi Achumi AIGP(Co-Ord). The parade ended with laying of wreaths at the Samrat showing respect to all the deceased personnel on duty.
