Written by (SAFDAR HAMID HASSAN SAMOON)
India observes October 21st each year as Police Commemoration Day to honor Police personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. Across the country, Police forces hold a commemoration parade or present a Guard of Honor at Police Memorials. A state/CAPF-wise list of personnel who have given the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during the year is read out and a wreath-laying ceremony is held.
SUPREME SACRIFICE
This observance was first held to commemorate the heroism of Police personnel killed in action against the PLA on October 1959 at Hot Springs, Ladakh, a remote border post on the Sino-Indian frontier. In the past 63 years, the blood of more than 35000 Police heroes has mingled with the soil in every corner of India- not just in Himalayan heights but in Metropolitan areas, remote hamlets, hot, deserts, tropical jungles and riverine terrain. Christian, Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu, the men and women in secular khaki have made the supreme sacrifice, combated militants, dreaded mafias, dangerous criminals, and violent mobs while protecting vulnerable personnel or premises. This is way beyond the call of duty demanded in any other profession
“Hot Springs” is not just a place but an epitaph of exemplary bravery displayed by the Indian Police and their supreme sacrifice while protecting the territorial integrity of the country under extreme geo-climatic conditions. On the fateful day of Oct. 21, 1959, 10 valiant Police personnel laid down their lives fighting at 16,000 ft altitude, in extremely cold conditions and against all odds, in unequal combat with heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs in Ladakh.
HISTORY OF MARTYR’S DAY
On October 20, 1959, three reconnaissance parties were launched from Hot Springs in North Eastern Ladakh. This was in preparation for further movement of an Indian expedition which was on its way to Lanka La. While members of two parties returned to Hot Springs by the afternoon of that day, the third one comprising two Police Constables and a Porter did not return. All available personnel were mobilized early the next morning in search of the missing personnel. This team was led by DSP / DCIO Shri Karam Singh. At about midday, Chinese Army personnel were seen on a hillock who opened fire and throwing grenades at the party led by Shri Karam Singh. Since there was no cover, most personnel were injured. Ten of our brave Police Personnel attained martyrdom and seven others sustained injuries. The seven injured were taken prisoners by the Chinese. Bodies of the ten personnel were returned by the Chinese only on November 13, 1959, a full three weeks after the incident. These bodies were cremated with full Police honors at Hot Springs. The Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories held in January 1960 decided that October 21 would henceforth be observed as “Commemoration Day” / “Martyr’s Day”. It was also decided to erect a memorial at Hot Springs and every year members of Police Forces from different parts of the country trek to Hot Springs to pay homage to those gallant martyrs.
HOT SPRINGS MARTYR’S MEMORIAL
Every year a pilgrimage tour of the all-India Police party with members representing various states and Central Police Forces to Hot Springs is undertaken. The objective is to pay homage to the ten valiant Police personnel who laid down their lives while protecting the territorial integrity of our country. The incident is remembered and observed as Police Commemoration Day across the country.
NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL
A National Police Memorial at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi stands as a testimony of the sacrifices made by countless policemen in the performance of their duty. The Memorial gives police Forces a sense of national identity, pride, unity of purpose, common history and destiny. “The Wall of Valour” – 30 feet tall granite sculpture stands at the police memorial with the names of over 35000 martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and reminds them of their valour and glory.
Area: 6.3 Acres
Museum: 1,600 SqM Parade Ground: 1,600 SqM
Central Sculpture: 30ft x 8ft x 8ft “The Wall of Valour” – 30 feet tall
Location: 27, Kautilya Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110011
NATIONAL POLICE MUSEUM
On the morning of October 21, 2018, Shri Narendra Modi Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, dedicated the National Police Memorial to the nation and also paid homage to more than 35000 Police Martyrs, who have since the dawn of Independence, made the supreme sacrifice while defending ordinary citizens from