Glowing tributes were paid to the police men and women, who made supreme sacrifices, at the “Police Commemoration Day” held at New Police Reserve, Phesama, Kohima on Thursday.
Speaking at the commemoration programme, the state deputy chief minister, Y Patton, who also holds home portfolio, acknowledged all the brave and courageous police personnel, who had sacrificed their lives in the line of duties putting service above themselves. “We salute their valour and dedication and words can never describe their bravery, services, the spirit of sacrifices as they continue to inspire us all.”
He stated that police play the most important role in safeguarding the basic rights of the citizen, the right to protection of life and personal liberty, which forms the basis of a welfare State. Patton said police department was the strongest executive arm on which a democratic government relied in delivering services to its people.
Ever since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the deputy chief minister said the Nagaland police personnel along with medical health workers have been at the forefront of the government’s effort to control the spread of the disease.
He said that Nagaland police stepped beyond conventional “law and order” approach and took on a new role as public health messengers and service providers despite immense stress and strain.
Patton lauded the Nagaland police for coming out of their comfort zone of traditional policing and performing citizen-centric policing, which he said was “the need of our modern times.”
The deputy chief minister said that the state government has always been acknowledging the services provided by the force and stood by them.
He also said that it has been the prerogative of the government to ensure that the privileges and welfare of the police men and women of the State were taken care of. Patton said that the government has, therefore, declared ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each for every police man and police woman who lost their lives due to COVID-19 while on active duty during the pandemic.
“We mourn their loss; we share the pain and the vacuum they leave behind for their loved ones. But, we also take pride in the dedication shown in the supreme sacrifice made by them,” the deputy chief minister said.
Patton has called upon all the policemen and women to emulate the ideals of the fallen heroes to ensure the prevalence of peace, tranquillity and progress in the society. He also urged all personnel of Nagaland police to continue upholding its motto ‘Security, Service and Sacrifice’.
Director General of Police (DGP) Nagaland, T. John Longkumer, in his short address, briefed on significance of Police Commemoration Day and the historical event dating back to 1959, when ten policemen were martyred by the Chinese troops in Ladakh. He said that October 21 was marked and observed Police Commemoration Day every year as remembrance and to honour the brave policemen for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
DGP also read out the roll of honour and honoured the fourteen Covid Martyrs of Nagaland. The deputy chief minister also handed over the ex-gratia to the next kin of the covid martyrs.