October 21st is celebrated as Police Commemoration Day. Know why

October 21st is celebrated every year as the Police Commemoration Day. The day marks the sacrifice of 10 CRPF men who lost their lives to a Chinese attack in 1959. Let’s understand what happened and what is the importance of the day.

In 1959, October 21st was a sad day for the Indian police force as 10 CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) men were killed in an attack by Chinese PLA troops. The attack happened near Ladakh’s Hot Springs area, and the police officers lost their lives in the line of duty.

On October 20th, 1959, as the CRPF patrolled the India-Tibet border, three separate units of the 3rd Battalion were sent to independent patrols near the Hot Springs area in Ladakh. The objective was to keep a lookout on the India-China border that lies to the east of Ladakh.


Hot Spring in Aksai Chin in Ladakh is situated between 15,000 and 16,000 ft above the sea level on the Indo-Tibet border which was being manned by the Indian Police.

While the other two units returned, one did not. The missing unit contained a porter and two police constables.

To search for the missing unit, CRPF created a new unit led by DCIO Karam Singh. As the unit approached a small hill, Chinese troops started firing. Ten policemen died in the firing, while the Chinese captured seven. A month later, the Chinese soldiers returned the bodies of the martyred Indian police officers.

After this incident, in January 1960, a resolution was passed at the Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories, recognising October 21st as the Police Commemoration Day.

How the brave hearts are honoured on Martyr’s Day
It was decided to erect a memorial at Hot Springs and, every year, members of Police Forces from different parts of the country trek to Hot Springs to pay homage to those gallant martyrs.

The arms are reversed (Shok Shastra) and two minutes silence is observed in the honour of the departed souls.

The names of police martyrs of states, police and paramilitary forces are read out, to acknowledge with pride the supreme sacrifices made by them.

Three volley of shots are fired as a mark of respect to the martyrs.

FAQs

What is the Police Commemoration Day also called?
It is also called Martyr’s Day.

What happens on this day?
A parade is held at the Police Memorial in Delhi.

How long is the India-Tibet border?
The border is 2600 miles long.