Nagaland honoured 576 policemen, including five from the state, who died in the line of duty in the past one year, during the Police Commemoration Day Parade here today.
The history of the Police Commemoration Day dates back to October 21, 1959 when a CRPF patrol party of SI Karan Singh and 10 men guarding the national frontiers were ambushed and killed by Chinese forces at Hot Springs in Ladakh, state DGP Besesayo Kezo said.
The bravery and resultant sacrifices of the personnel fighting at an altitude of 16,000 feet in the extreme cold and against all odds was an epitome of the rarest of rare courage, he said.
Acknowledging the supreme sacrifices made by the 576 policemen during the year, Kezo said the day reminds us of the dangers and responsibilities involved in discharging the duty as a policeman.
Saying that the police not only managed traffic or guarded VIPs, he said, "We are prepared for any responsibility, including guarding the national frontier."
"Police service is a 24-hour job and everyday on the war front," he said.
The names of the 576 policemen, which include 11 DSPs, assistant commandants and officers of the higher ranks, and 565 non-gazetted officers and below, who died during the last one year were read out.
The list of five police personnel from Nagaland who died in the line of duty were Havildar Temsu Ao of 10th IR Bn, UBC Lalkholen Kuki of DEF Peren, UBC Bapeu Zeliang of DEF Peren, Constable R. Jenithung Lotha of 12th IR Bn and Chingbong Konyak of 12th IR Bn.
All battalions and dignitaries laid wreaths at the cenotaph in remembrance and honour of the policemen.
