New Delhi: Delhi witnessed solemn tributes on Tuesday as Tapan Deka, Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), honoured police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. Speaking at the National Police Memorial, Deka noted that since India’s independence, 36,684 police personnel have made the supreme sacrifice protecting the nation.
Addressing attendees, Deka said, “Today, on Police Commemoration Day, we gather to pay tribute to the brave police personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the past year, as well as all our departed colleagues since India’s independence.” He recalled the origins of the day, commemorating the sacrifice of 10 CRPF personnel led by Karam Singh, who died on October 21, 1969, while guarding the India-China border against an armed Chinese contingent. “Since then, this day has been observed annually as Police Commemoration Day,” Deka added.
A joint memorial parade marked the event, featuring personnel from the BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, Assam Rifles, RPF, NDRF, and Delhi Police. Deka highlighted that similar programs are conducted across state capitals, districts, and police stations, with the national-level parade serving as the central tribute.
Commemorative events at the National Police Memorial will continue from October 22 to 30, including participation from the families of the fallen, following recommendations made during the 2019 Directors General of Police Conference. Over the past year alone, 191 police personnel lost their lives in the line of duty.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also attended the programme, paying heartfelt tributes to the nation’s police personnel and acknowledging their dedication to maintaining national unity, integrity, and security.
