Police Commemoration Day was observed at the Nagaland Police Headquarters (PHQ), Kohima, on October 21 to honour police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty and to pay tribute to their courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice in safeguarding the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Renchamo P Kikon, IPS, said the occasion was one of profound solemnity and pride, dedicated to remembering the brave men and women of the police force who placed the safety of society and the integrity of the nation above their own lives.
Tracing the history of Police Commemoration Day, Kikon recalled the events of October, 1959, when a patrol party of Indian police personnel was ambushed by heavily armed Chinese troops in Ladakh amid heightened border tensions between India and China. Ten police personnel attained martyrdom in the encounter, while seven others were injured and taken prisoners. Their bravery and sacrifice became the foundation of the annual observance of Police Commemoration Day across the country.
Kikon paid homage to the fallen personnel and acknowledged their unparalleled valour and commitment to the nation. Expressing solidarity with the families of the martyrs, the ADGP said the Nagaland Police fraternity stood firmly with them and would remain indebted to the sacrifices made by their loved ones.
He assured the families that their sacrifices would never be forgotten and that they would continue to receive the support and solidarity of the police fraternity.
He further highlighted that Police Commemoration Day observances would continue until 31st October 2026, culminating in Rashtriya Ekta Divas, or National Unity Day, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and reinforces the spirit of national unity and integrity.
In this connection, Kikon highlighted Nagaland Police’s participation in the National Motorcycle Expedition 2026. On October 7, a nine-member contingent of Nagaland Police was flagged off to undertake a 2,845-kilometre expedition across seven states to spread the message of unity, diversity and respect for the sacrifices of police personnel.
He informed that the team would join other contingents in Gujarat, on October 31 to participate in the National Unity Day celebrations.
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Emphasising the challenges faced by police personnel in the discharge of their duties, Kikon said the force remained steadfast in fulfilling its mandate, irrespective of the circumstances or location. He urged serving police personnel to draw inspiration from the cenotaph and the legacy of their fallen colleagues, adding that the truest tribute to the martyrs would be to uphold the ideals for which they sacrificed their lives.
He called upon police personnel to remain committed to crime prevention, maintenance of public peace and order, and service to the people with unwavering integrity and compassion. He also stressed that the police uniform must continue to represent public trust, safety and sacrifice.
During the observance, the Roll of Honour of 154 Indian police personnel who attained martyrdom between 1st September 2025 and 31st August 2026, was read out. A wreath-laying ceremony was also held as a mark of respect and remembrance for the fallen heroes.
Meanwhile, Police Commemoration Day was also celebrated at SP Office premises, Tseminyu by District Executive Force (DEF), Tseminyu.
During the event, SP Tseminyu, Talisunep Imchen reminded the policemen that the Police Commemoration Day is not only a day of mourning, but a day to remember the spirit of selfless sacrifice shown by the martyrs, to renew the pledge to serve the people, and to secure and maintain the integrity of the nation. He further added that this year, 186 policemen all over India have laid down their lives while maintaining law and order, preventing anti-social activities and countering terrorism.
He paid his respects to the brave and valiant police personnel who sacrificed their valuable lives to protect the integrity and security of the country.
