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KOHIMA — Nagaland Deputy General of Police (DGP), Rupin Sharma, paid tribute to as many as 1989 Indian police personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.
He reminded of a rich history of Indian police and their dynamism that has helped them evolved over time and also their duties towards serving as the guardians of law and order in changing times.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]Sharma was speaking on the occasion of Indian ‘Police Commemoration Day’ at the Police Headquarters in Kohima on Saturday.
The commemoration day has its origins in a tragic event in 1959 involving a rescue mission led by DCIO Karam Singh, he recalled. 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 brave Indian policemen lost their lives in the line of duty.
He stated that the bodies of the deceased were handed over by the Chinese on November 13, 1959, and were cremated on the following day at the hot springs in Ladakh. The DIG stated that a martyrs’ memorial was erected at hot springs, which is located at an altitude of 16,000 feet, where a police party visit the site every year to pay homage.
In 1960, the heads of police of all states of India decided in a conference to observe October 21 as Police Commemoration Day throughout India.
Sharma said the day is observed on this day to remember the sacrifice 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 said it serves as a day to honour the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of the law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to maintain peace and security in the country, adding the day is a solemn occasion to pay tribute to the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their fellow citizens from security threats- both internal and external and seen and unseen ones.
"Policemen and women deserve our utmost respect and appreciation. A lot of it has to be earned through sweat and toil, working under difficult circumstances," Sharma said, adding, "They shoulder the heavy responsibility of maintaining peace, order, and security, often at great personal risk and separation from their families.”
The officer maintained that they work tirelessly, day and night, and frequently make enormous personal sacrifices to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens.
He said it was with heavy hearts that they remember the 189 Indian police personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down their lives to secure the internal security of the country.
Among those brave souls, Sharma mentioned two Nagaland policemen namely Lance Naik T Zewangba Yim of 3rd NAP and Constable Kevisekho Khate of 10 NAP (IR), who were part of this sacrifice.
“A modern policeman's role goes beyond just ensuring the physical security of fellow citizens but also involves making people safe from threats and fear in society,” he added.
While reflecting on the sacrifices and valour of the police force, Sharma asked the need to be inspired by those brave martyrs and to pledge to continue their noble mission.
DEF Kohima, 10th NAP (IR), 15th NAP Mahila Battalion, 14th NAP (IR), 11th NAP (IR), INT, 4th NAP, North Police Station, South Police Station, Women Police Station, PI Court, NPTO Kohima, Dog Squad took part in the wreath laying ceremony.
The DGP along with ADGP (Adm.) and ADGP (L and O), other officers and dignitaries also paid floral tribute to the martyrs.
K Jongpong Nungsang Ao, assistant commandant of 4th NAP, led the parade while Havildar Ayo Sakhrie led the brass band, both from the same battalion.
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