Rajnath Singh pays tribute to fallen Police personnel

New Delhi, Oct 21: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi on Tuesday to mark Police Commemoration Day, honouring the supreme sacrifice of India’s police personnel.

The day commemorates the valour of ten policemen who laid down their lives in 1959 during an ambush by Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh. Addressing the gathering, the Defence Minister paid glowing tributes to the fallen heroes and lauded the contribution of police and paramilitary forces to the nation’s security. “The military and police function on different platforms, but their mission is the same — to protect the nation. As we look towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, balancing the external and internal security of the nation is more important than ever,” he said.

‘NEW SECURITY CHALLENGES DEMAND VIGILANCE’

Highlighting contemporary threats, Rajnath Singh said that while India continues to face instability along its borders, new forms of crime, terrorism, and ideological conflict are emerging within society. He warned that crime today has become “more organised, invisible, and complex,” with the objective of spreading chaos, undermining trust, and challenging national stability. Commending the police for their vigilance, he added, “If people are sleeping peacefully today, it’s due to their confidence in our vigilant Armed Forces and alert police. This confidence is the foundation of our country’s stability.” Touching upon internal security challenges, the Defence Minister asserted that the long-standing menace of Naxalism is nearing its end. “Several top Naxalites have been eliminated this year. Those who previously took up arms against the state are now surrendering and joining the mainstream of development. Areas that were once known as the Red Corridor have now transformed into growth corridors,” he said, expressing confidence that the problem would be resolved by March next year.

Reaffirming the government’s focus on internal security, Singh said the Modi government has ensured better facilities and modern equipment for police forces. “Police have been provided with state-of-the-art weapons, surveillance systems, drones, forensic labs, and digital policing tools. Adequate resources are being given to states for modernisation,” he stated. He recalled that the establishment of the National Police Memorial in 2018 under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership marked a turning point in recognising the contribution of police personnel to the nation.

Underscoring the importance of cooperation between citizens and law enforcement, Singh said, “Policing can function effectively only when citizens work as partners and respect the law. When the relationship between society and the police is based on mutual understanding and responsibility, both prosper.” A joint parade of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Delhi Police marked the occasion. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau Director Tapan Deka, BSF DG Daljit Singh Chawdhary, and other senior officials attended the ceremony.