Punjab Police Pays Heartfelt Tributes to Brave Martyrs on 65th State-Level Police Commemoration Day

Punjab Police Pays Heartfelt Tributes to Brave Martyrs on 65th State-Level Police Commemoration Day

The 65th State-Level Police Commemoration Day was solemnly observed at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) headquarters in Jalandhar on Monday, where the state paid rich tributes to the courageous police personnel who sacrificed their lives to protect the unity and integrity of the nation. This significant day serves as a reminder of the bravery and dedication of those who lost their lives while fighting militants, criminals, and safeguarding the peace and security of Punjab.

During the event, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav led the heartfelt tributes to the fallen heroes, acknowledging the unparalleled courage and sacrifices made by the Punjab Police force. The DGP expressed immense pride in the Punjab Police’s long-standing tradition of bravery, stating that it is an exceptional force that has consistently risen to defend the nation, whether in times of peace or during unrest. He highlighted that since September 1981, the Punjab Police has lost 1,799 personnel, including two officers this year alone, in their relentless pursuit of maintaining law and order and safeguarding citizens.

Speaking at the event, DGP Gaurav Yadav emphasized that it is because of the sacrifices of these martyrs that the people of Punjab enjoy the freedom and security they have today. He praised the Punjab Police’s relentless efforts in rooting out militancy, maintaining peace, and protecting the state from internal and external threats. The DGP assured the public that the Punjab Police will continue its steadfast work in preserving peace and communal harmony, especially in this sensitive border state.

In addition to commemorating the past, the Punjab Police is also taking strong steps to address current issues that directly affect the public. DGP Gaurav Yadav highlighted street crime and the rampant drug trade as two of the most pressing concerns in the state. To tackle street crime, a strategy has been devised that includes crime mapping to identify hotspots, increased police patrolling, and focused deployment of officers in high-crime areas. Similarly, in the fight against drug abuse, the police are working hand-in-hand with local communities to identify drug hotspots, with the support of public meetings and firsthand information gathered from citizens. The DGP stressed that the top priority of the police is to address the issues that most affect common citizens, promising a more people-friendly and effective policing system for Punjab.

When asked about the issue of extortion calls, DGP Yadav revealed that internal analyses showed that over 80% of such calls are made by local criminals impersonating notorious gangsters, with fewer than 20% originating from actual organized crime figures. He urged citizens to report any such criminal activity promptly, and instructed police officials to register every extortion call, snatching, or petty crime into a formal First Information Report (FIR) to ensure thorough investigation and action. The proactive stance against organized crime has been a key focus, with police officers being authorized to retaliate in self-defense if fired upon by criminals.

Another significant initiative that the Punjab Police has recently launched is a health insurance scheme for its personnel, allowing them to access medical facilities at subsidized rates across 300 empanelled hospitals in the state. This scheme reflects the department’s commitment to the well-being of its officers, who regularly put their lives on the line in the service of the people.

After the formal proceedings, DGP Gaurav Yadav met with the families of the martyrs, offering his condolences and assurance of continued support from both the Punjab Government and the Punjab Police. The DGP made it clear that the sacrifices of these heroes will never be forgotten and vowed that the Punjab Police will continue to uphold their legacy of dedication and bravery.

A solemn commemoration parade was held at the Police Martyr’s Memorial inside the PAP campus, where the names of 213 police martyrs, including Constable Amritpal Singh and PHG Jaspal Singh—who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty this year—were read out. Commandant of the 75th Battalion PAP Jalandhar, Vivek Sheel Soni, led the tribute, and a two-minute silence was observed to honor the departed souls. Senior officials, including Special DGsP, several ADGsP, IGsP, and other top-ranking police officers, laid wreaths at the memorial in a gesture of deep respect and gratitude.

The history of Police Commemoration Day dates back to October 21, 1959, when a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) patrol, led by Sub-Inspector Karam Singh, was ambushed by Chinese forces at Hot Springs in Ladakh. The encounter, which took place at an altitude of 16,000 feet under extreme cold conditions, resulted in the loss of 10 jawans who fought valiantly. Their sacrifice became a symbol of courage and devotion to duty, and since that day, October 21 has been observed as Police Commemoration Day across India. Each year, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police sends a representative party of all police forces to Hot Springs, Ladakh, to honor the fallen heroes of 1959.

In police units across the country, similar commemoration parades are held, with arms reversed and two minutes of silence observed to pay tribute to the departed. The names of police martyrs from state police forces, paramilitary units, and other security agencies are read out to recognize their supreme sacrifice for the nation.

The observance of Police Commemoration Day in Punjab this year served as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices that come with serving in law enforcement. The state’s continued commitment to honoring its martyrs ensures that their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and their legacy of courage and dedication to duty will continue to inspire future generations of police officers.

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