- PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh salute courage, sacrifice and service of India’s police personnel
- Rajnath: ‘Military and police are twin pillars of security; Viksit Bharat needs both internal and external balance’
NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, OCT 21
On the solemn occasion of Police Commemoration Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid rich tributes to the bravery, sacrifice, and steadfast dedication of India’s police personnel who safeguard the nation and its citizens.
In a message on X, the Prime Minister said: “On Police Commemoration Day, we salute the courage of our police personnel and recall the supreme sacrifice by them in the line of duty. Their steadfast dedication keeps our nation and people safe. Their bravery and commitment in times of crisis and in moments of need are appreciable.”
Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi to honour the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty — particularly remembering the ten brave policemen martyred at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959 while defending India’s borders.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh lauded the police and paramilitary forces for their role as pillars of national security, saying: “The armed forces protect our geographical integrity, while the police safeguard social integrity. The mission of both is one — to protect the nation. As we move towards Viksit Bharat 2047, balancing external and internal security is more important than ever.”
He noted that modern challenges such as cybercrime, ideological conflicts, and terrorism have made policing more complex, yet India’s police forces continue to perform their duty with resolve and compassion.
“If people sleep peacefully today, it’s because of the confidence they have in our vigilant armed forces and alert police. This trust is the foundation of our country’s stability,” he said.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the success of security forces in tackling Left-Wing Extremism, asserting that the menace is nearing its end.
“Areas once known as the Red Corridor are now becoming growth corridors. Our police and security forces have made this transformation possible,” he said, expressing confidence that Naxalism will be eliminated by March next year.
Rajnath Singh underscored the Modi Government’s commitment to police welfare and modernisation, citing initiatives such as the National Police Memorial (2018), and provision of modern weapons, surveillance systems, drones, forensic labs, and digital policing tools. He urged for greater coordination among security agencies and deeper community participation in policing.
“Policing can be effective only when citizens work as partners and respect the law. A relationship of mutual trust between society and the police makes both stronger,” he said.
A joint parade of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Delhi Police marked the event. It was attended by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, IB Director Tapan Deka, BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary, and other senior officers and veterans of the police fraternity.
The day serves as a national reminder of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding spirit of India’s police personnel, who continue to stand as sentinels of peace, order, and democracy.
