New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, honoured police and soldiers who died in the line of duty on Monday, October 21. Amit Shah also thanked the security forces for their sacrifices and praised the dedication of the Army, police personnel and their families in keeping India safe. He promised that the sacrifices of the policepersons who lost their lives will never be forgotten. Amit Shah thanked them for their commitment to fighting terrorism and drug trafficking in the country.
On the Police Commemoration Day, I bow to our martyrs immortalised by their supreme sacrifices in the line of duty.
This is an occasion that honors the infinite sacrifices the police personnel and their families make to see our nation safe.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to… pic.twitter.com/X1Q8t615Yc
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 21, 2024
This day remembers the ten CRPF soldiers who the Chinese Army killed on October 21, 1959. In this article, let us look at why the Police Commemoration Day is observed on October 21 every year.
Police Commemoration Day: Why is it observed on October 21?
Police Commemoration Day in India, observed annually on October 21, honours police officers who were killed during an ambush by Chinese troops in Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959. The day recognises the hard work of police personnel who protect the country and its citizens.
October 21, 1959
On October 21, 1959, a unit of Indian police conducted a reconnaissance operation in the Hot Springs area of Aksai Chin. The patrol came under an unprovoked attack from Chinese military forces, specifically the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The ambush resulted in significant casualties among the Indian personnel, with multiple policemen killed in the initial exchange of fire. In a notable delay, their remains were repatriated 23 days later, on November 13, 1959.
Establishment of the Commemoration
In January 1960, a conference of Police Inspectors General from across the country decided to mark October 21 as Police Commemoration Day. This decision honoured the brave officers who sacrificed their lives and celebrated their contributions yearly.
The Police Memorial
In 2018, a major milestone in the observance of Police Commemoration Day was when Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated a National Police Memorial in New Delhi.
