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New Delhi, October 19 (IANS) Defense Minister Rajnath Singh will pay tribute to the martyrs on Police Memorial Day at the National Police Memorial on October 21, according to an official statement.
On October 21, 1959, ten brave policemen laid down their lives in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh. Since then, it is celebrated every year as Police Memorial Day.
According to the Defense Ministry statement, “In recognition of the sacrifices made by police personnel and their paramount role in maintaining national security and integrity, the Prime Minister dedicated the National Police Memorial (NPM), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi to the nation on Police Memorial Day-2018.”
The memorial consists of three main components: a central sculpture, the ‘Wall of Courage’ and a museum. The central sculpture is the 30-foot high granite monolith Cenotaph, symbolizing the strength, resilience and selfless service of police personnel.
The names of the martyrs are engraved on the Wall of Valor, which is a permanent tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty since Independence.
It said, “The memorial gives the police forces a sense of national identity, pride, unity of purpose, common history and destiny, besides strengthening their commitment to protect the nation even at the cost of their lives.”
The museum is conceptualized as a historical and evolving exhibition on policing in India. The memorial is a pilgrimage site, a place of reverence for police personnel and civilians alike.
The National Police Memorial is open to the public on all days except Monday. The CAPF organizes band performances, parades and retreat ceremonies at the National Police Memorial one hour before sunset every Saturday and Sunday evening.
Singh will preside over the function on Tuesday and pay tribute to the martyrs. A joint parade of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Delhi Police will be organized.
Defense Minister, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Nityanand Rai, MPs with police background, CAPF/CPO chiefs, among others will pay tribute to the martyrs by laying floral tributes. Retired DG, officers of police fraternity and other dignitaries will also participate in this program.
The ministry said that apart from paying tribute to the police martyrs, Singh will also address the gathering, remember the martyrs and highlight the challenges of policing.
The Defense Minister will also lay a floral tribute at the altar dedicated to the martyrs of Hot Springs.
As a part of the commemorations, CAPFs/CPOs organize various commemorative programs at the National Police Memorial from 22 to 30 October, which include meeting family members of martyrs, police band performances, motorcycle rallies, runs for martyrs, blood donation camps, essay/painting competitions for children and screening of video films showcasing the sacrifices, valor and services of police personnel.
During this period, similar programs are organized across the country.
–IANS
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