Serving members of the police force must let the legacy of their fallen colleagues shape how they carry out their daily duties, Additional Director General of Police Renchamo P Kikon told officers gathered at the Nagaland Police Headquarters in Kohima on Wednesday. Speaking at the Police Commemoration Day ceremony, Kikon stated that wearing the police uniform must constantly stand for public trust, personal sacrifice, and community safety.
The Legacy of Ladakh Hot Springs and the Origins of Commemoration Day
Tracing the historical roots of the observance, Kikon noted that the annual tribute marks the events of October 21, 1959, at Hot Springs in Ladakh. On that day, a 20-member police reconnaissance team under the leadership of Deputy Central Intelligence Officer Karam Singh was searching for missing personnel when Chinese troops ambushed them, resulting in the death of ten personnel. Although the commemoration was originally instituted to honor those ten brave men, it has since grown into a national observance honoring every police personnel who has laid down their life in the line of duty across the country.
Recommitting to Public Service and Standing by Bereaved Families
Paying real tribute to the departed requires upholding the exact principles for which they sacrificed their lives, Kikon told the assembly. He urged officers across ranks to recommit themselves to preventing crimes, upholding public order, and serving citizens with both rigorous honesty and genuine compassion. The peace enjoyed by modern society is built directly on the sacrifices of the police force, he observed, while reassuring grieving families that Nagaland Police stands fully beside them following their immeasurable losses.
Honoring 154 Fallen Heroes and the National Unity Ride
Nationwide operational figures show that 154 police personnel died on duty across India during the 12 months ending on August 31. Kikon expressed profound respect for these personnel who gave their lives protecting national sovereignty and internal security, adding that their courage should serve as an everyday guide and moral compass for the entire force.
Kikon also shared details about active outreach initiatives, highlighting that a nine-member Nagaland Police contingent embarked on a 2,845-km motorcycle ride spanning seven states on October 7. Having reached Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, the riders are scheduled to convene with contingents from other states at Kevadia in Gujarat on October 31 for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and the National Unity Day parade. Simultaneously, representatives from the state police force traveled to New Delhi to lay respects at the National Police Memorial. At the Kohima cenotaph, AIGP Shouka Kekhato read out the official roll of honour, followed by the ceremonial bugle sounded by the Nishan and Angrakshak Toli, before senior officers and personnel from allied forces placed commemorative wreaths.
