National Police Commemoration Day 2024: History, Significance, and Celebration

The National Police Commemoration Day is on the 21st of October every year in India, which is kept to pay homage to all policemen who lose their lives in the line of duty. It is specifically observed to commemorate the ten policemen killed by Chinese troops during a reconnaissance at Hot Springs, Ladakh in 1959 while on an ambush mission. Their bodies were returned after 23 days and were cremated with full military honours.

Key Events for 2024

• Tribute Ceremony: The main event will be held at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah will pay homage to the martyrs. This ceremony includes wreath-laying and a parade featuring the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) along with Delhi Police.
• Community Activities: Various activities are planned across the country, including:
• Wreath-laying ceremonies at local police memorials
• Blood donation camps
• Essay and painting competitions
• Motorcycle rallies and public events to engage communities.

Significance of the Day

Police Commemoration Day reminds all citizens of the daily risk that police personnel take in maintaining law and order. It teaches people to respect law enforcement agencies and understand the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives in serving the nation. The day helps strengthen respect in the community towards law enforcement agencies.

In the year 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the National Police Memorial. This complex has incorporated a Wall of Valour bearing the names of deceased officers, with a central sculpture symbolizing power and a museum narrating the story of policing in India.

To commemorate Police Commemoration Day 2024, a series of events will be conducted throughout India to pay homage to police martyrs. Some of the activities include:

• Wreath-laying ceremonies: These will be conducted at all the police memorial places in the country, and the prime event will be conducted at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
• Parades: Central Armed Police Forces and local police forces will participate in parades paying tribute to their commitment and grieve the loss of officers who lost their lives.
• Community Engagement Activities: It organizes activities like blood donation camps, essay writing competitions, and motorcycle rallies among others to involve the community.
• Special Programs at Police Stations: Police stations organize special programs that engage citizens in the memory of the sacrifices of the police force.
• Commemorative Events After the Day: From October 22 to 30, more activities like family visits of martyrs, performance of police band, and exhibitions on acts of bravery and service of police staff will be held.

Such commemorations prove to pay tribute to the fact that policemen in their valour sacrifice their selves but also raise public awareness over the importance of policemen in enforcing law and order.