Indian Police Commemoration Day 2024- History, Significance, Celebration, and everything important to know about this day

Every year, the people of India celebrate Police Commemoration Day on October 21 in honor of policemen who gave their lives in the service of the country. The day commemorates the ten CRPF policemen who lost their lives in an attack by China on the same day in 1959. Various events are organized all around the country on this occasion to pay tribute to those policemen.

Indian Police Commemoration Day Overview

Indian Police Commemoration Day Date

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for Indian Police Commemoration Day for the next 4 years.

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Significance

The main objective behind observing Indian Police Commemoration Day is to acknowledge the sacrifice of the brave policemen whose lives were lost in service to the country. Not only them but the policemen who have given their lives while on duty are also paid tribute on this day. In addition to this, the commemoration day also honors the police officials who put their lives at risk on a daily basis to serve their country and countrymen and their family members as well.

History

The history of the observation of Indian Police Commemoration Day dates back to the incident that occurred on October 20, 1959. Some policemen from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were patrolling the border between India and Tibet. To keep an eye on the Indo-China border in North Eastern Ladakh, three units of the third battalion were sent to a location called Hot Springs. One out of these three units comprising two police constables and a porter did not return from their patrol.

To search for the missing contingent, a new unit consisting of several policemen was sent on October 21. However, as the team reached a hillock in Ladakh, the Chinese Army opened fire, killing ten of them. Seven other officers were taken prisoners. The bodies of the martyrs were handed back by the Chinese troops after more than a month on November 28, 1959.

Following this incident, a resolution was passed at the Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories, in January 1960. This resolution identified and established October 21st as the Indian Police Commemoration Day in memory of the policemen who were killed in the incident.

Indian Police Commemoration Day Celebration

On the occasion of Indian Police Commemoration Day, many programs are organized in honor of martyred policemen. A special program is organized at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi where the names of Martyrs of the State Police, CPOs’ and CAPFs’ are read. The fallen policemen are paid tribute by a laying wreath at the Memorial by the Home Minister of India and reversing arms within two minutes. Similar events are also observed at all the State Police/ CAPF headquarters. Celebratory events held around the country are telecast on television where people can watch them live. To celebrate this day, you can visit the National Police Memorial and watch the live events. You can also visit the underground museum built inside the memorial which is one of its kind. There are many organizations that work toward supporting the families of martyrs where you can donations to financially aid those families.

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