Our Bureau
SHILLONG/NONGPOH, Oct 21: Meghalaya Police on Tuesday paid heartfelt tributes to brave police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty during the observance of the 66th Police Commemoration Day in Shillong.
During the programme, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Eastern Range, Davis NR Marak, informed that a total of 186 police personnel across India lost their lives in the line of duty between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025.
Marak also read out the names of police and paramilitary personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while serving the nation in various parts of the country. Since Independence, over 36,500 police personnel have died on duty, including 129 from Meghalaya between 1977 and 2024. Notably, no police personnel from Meghalaya were killed in action this year.
Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang, along with Commissioner and Secretary CVD Diengdoh, senior police officers and family members of the fallen personnel, laid wreaths at the martyrs’ memorial inside the Police Headquarters.
This year’s observance was significant as it marked the first time the ceremony was held at the Police Headquarters—previously, it had been observed at the Police Reserve.
Every year, Police Commemoration Day is observed on October 21 across India to honour the courage and sacrifice of police personnel who have laid down their lives while safeguarding national security and maintaining law and order.
The observance dates back to October 21, 1959, when Chinese troops ambushed a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) patrol at Hot Springs in Ladakh, killing ten Indian policemen. Their sacrifice—by men of different faiths, symbolising India’s unity in diversity—led to the declaration of October 21 as Police Commemoration Day.
Since then, the day has been observed nationwide to pay tribute to the martyrs of all State Police Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
In Ri-Bhoi, the Ri-Bhoi District Executive Force (RBDEF) solemnly observed Police Commemoration Day on Tuesday at the Superintendent of Police’s Office, honouring the sacrifices of police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
The event, led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vivekanand Singh Rathore, was attended by police officers, students from Nepali Secondary School, Nongpoh, and families of fallen officers.
In his address, SSP Rathore paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs, recalling the historical significance of the day. “On October 21, 1959, ten valiant policemen made the ultimate sacrifice during an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh. Since then, this day is observed annually to honour the courage and dedication of police personnel who safeguard our nation’s security and integrity,” he said.
The SSP highlighted the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, dedicated by former Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Police Commemoration Day in 2018. The memorial, comprising a 30-foot granite monolith symbolising strength and resilience, a Wall of Valour inscribed with the names of martyrs and a museum chronicling the history of Indian policing, stands as a testament to the sacrifices of police personnel. “The memorial instils a sense of national pride, unity, and purpose among our forces,” Rathore noted.
He added that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) organises band displays, parades and retreat ceremonies at the memorial, which are open to the public.
As part of the nationwide observance from October 22 to 30, various events are held at the National Police Memorial, including visits by martyrs’ families, motorcycle rallies, blood donation camps, essay and painting competitions for children, and screenings of films showcasing police valour. Similar programmes are conducted across the country, with the Ri-Bhoi event being one such tribute.
During the ceremony, SSP Rathore read out the names of 191 police personnel and officers who have laid down their lives across the country since Independence, along with five from Ri-Bhoi district etched in the annals of the district’s history: Raymond P. Diengdoh, MPS, DSP (November 7, 2007); Richard Makri, AB Constable (September 28, 1996); Ram Bali Thakur, AB Constable (November 21, 1993); Virendra Kumar Deka, UB ASI (August 20, 2001); and Govind Rana, AB Constable (September 28, 1996).
In a poignant gesture, SSP Rathore handed over mementoes to the families of the Ri-Bhoi DEF martyrs, symbolising the force’s enduring gratitude and support for their resilience.
Meanwhile, students from Nepali Secondary School participated in the event, learning about the sacrifices made by police personnel and the importance of their role in society.
The ceremony concluded with a fresh commitment to honour the legacy of the fallen by upholding the values of courage, service and sacrifice.
