DIMAPUR: Police Commemoration Day was observed at the Nagaland Police Headquarters (PHQ), Kohima, on October 21, honouring police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty and paying tribute to their courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice in safeguarding the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Renchamo P. Kikon, described the occasion as one of profound solemnity and pride dedicated to remembering the brave men and women of the police force who placed the safety of society and the integrity of the nation above their own lives.
Recalling the origin of the observance, Kikon referred to the October 1959 incident in Ladakh when a patrol team of Indian police personnel was ambushed by heavily armed Chinese troops amid heightened border tensions. Ten police personnel were killed in the encounter while seven others were injured and taken prisoner. Their sacrifice, he said, became the foundation for the annual observance of Police Commemoration Day across the country.
Paying homage to the fallen personnel, Kikon acknowledged their valour and unwavering commitment to the nation. He also expressed solidarity with the families of the martyrs, assuring them that the sacrifices of their loved ones would never be forgotten and that the police fraternity would continue to stand by them.
Kikon informed that the observance of Police Commemoration Day would continue till October 31, culminating in Rashtriya Ekta Divas (National Unity Day), commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and reinforcing the spirit of national unity and integrity.
Highlighting the participation of Nagaland Police in the National Motorcycle Expedition 2026, he said a nine-member contingent was flagged off on October 7 for a 2,845-km expedition across seven states to spread the message of unity, diversity and respect for the sacrifices made by police personnel. The contingent, he said, would join other teams in Gujarat on October 31 for the National Unity Day celebrations.
Emphasising the challenges faced by police personnel in the discharge of their duties, Kikon said the force remained steadfast in fulfilling its mandate irrespective of circumstances or location. He urged serving personnel to draw inspiration from the legacy of their fallen colleagues and uphold the ideals for which they sacrificed their lives.
Calling on police personnel to remain committed to crime prevention, maintenance of public peace and service to the people, Kikon stressed that the police uniform must continue to symbolise public trust, safety and sacrifice.
During the observance, the Roll of Honour of 154 Indian police personnel who laid down their lives between September 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026 was read out. A wreath-laying ceremony was also conducted in memory of the fallen heroes.
