State observes Police Commemoration Day

Kohima, Oct. 21 (EMN): Nagaland police on Saturday joined the rest of the nation in observing ‘Police Commemoration Day’ by conducting a ceremonial parade at New Police Reserve, Phesama.

Floral tributes were paid to the 383 police personnel across India who had sacrificed their lives for the security and safety of the country during the period from September 1, 2016 to August 31, 2017. No personnel from Nagaland police died while on duty during this period, it was informed.

Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, LL Doungel, who took the salute at the commemorative parade, highlighted in brief the significance of the day. He said Oct. 21 every year is observed as Police Commemoration Day across the country as a mark of respect to the brave police martyrs who had laid down their lives for the nation.

The history of the day traces back to Oct. 21, 1959, when a CRPF patrol, led by SI Karam Singh, was ambushed by the Chinese forces at Hot Springs, Ladakh and 10 jawans were killed while seven were held captive.

Doungel highlighted that in the following year in 1960, at the annual conference of Inspectors General of Police of states and Union Territories, it was decided that October 21 would be observed as Commemoration Day every year throughout the country to mark the memory of those martyred policemen and also all other police personnel killed on duty during the year to honour their bravery and supreme sacrifice.

The DGP, on the occasion, exhorted the police personnel to be prepared to give their best in the service of the people.

He read out the roll of honour of the 383 personnel and the Roll was later placed on the cenotaph at the parade ground in New Police Reserve, Phesama.