Police Commemoration Day

• The Police Commemoration Day is observed on 21st October every year
• This day is observed as Martyr's Day in all police forces of India
• The day commemorates the sacrifices of ten policemen who sacrificed their life while defending our borders with China in 1959.

History of Martyr’s Day

• On October 20, 1959, three reconnaissance parties were launched from Hot Springs in North Eastern Ladakh.
• This was in preparation for further movement of an Indian expedition which was on its way to Lanak La.
• While members of two parties returned to Hot Springs by the afternoon of that day, the third one comprising of two Police Constables and a Porter did not return.
• All available personnel were mobilized early next morning in search of the missing personnel.
• At about mid day, Chinese Army personnel were seen on a hillock who opened fire and threw grenades at the search party.
• Since there was no cover, most personnel were injured.
• Ten of our brave Police Personnel attained martyrdom and seven others sustained injuries.
• The seven injured were taken prisoners by the Chinese
• Bodies of the ten personnel were returned by the Chinese only on November 13, 1959, a full three weeks after the incident.
• These bodies were cremated with full Police honours at Hot Springs.

Martyrdom of Indian Police since independence

• Since Independence, 34,832 Police personnel have sacrificed their lives for safeguarding the integrity of the nation and providing security to people of this country.
• Since Independence, 23,000 Indian Army soldiers have made supreme sacrifice.

National Police Museum

• A National Police Museum depicts the history, artefacts, police related gazette notifications, unique weapons and uniforms of central and state police forces.
• It is a national level permanent exhibition on policing subjects.