New Delhi: It was a solemn day at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath to honor police personnel who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. The occasion Police Commemoration Day marks a dark chapter from 1959 when ten policemen were killed in a Chinese ambush at Hot Springs, Ladakh.
Speaking at the event, Singh reminded everyone why this day matters. Those ten brave souls weren’t just doing their jobs; they were defending India’s sovereignty in one of the most hostile terrains imaginable. Their sacrifice, he said, continues to inspire generations of police personnel across the country.
What stood out in the Defence Minister’s address was his take on how armed forces and police complement each other. Think of it this way the military guards our borders and territorial integrity, while the police protect our neighborhoods and maintain social order. Different roles, same goal: keeping India safe. As the country marches toward becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047, Singh believes getting this balance right between external and internal security isn’t just important it’s absolutely essential.
But Singh didn’t sugarcoat the challenges ahead. India’s borders remain tense, and within our society, newer threats are emerging. Crime has become smarter, more organized, and harder to detect. Terrorists and criminals are using sophisticated methods to create chaos and shake public confidence in institutions. It’s a complex security landscape that demands constant vigilance.
Here’s something encouraging though. Singh praised the police for walking a fine line they’re tough on crime while still maintaining society’s trust in them. “People sleep peacefully at night because they trust our armed forces and police,” he said. That trust, according to him, is what holds the nation together.
The real headline from his speech? Naxalism could be history by March next year. That’s a bold prediction, but Singh backed it up with facts. This year alone, several top Naxal leaders have been eliminated. More importantly, former insurgents are surrendering and choosing development over violence. The numbers tell the story districts affected by left-wing extremism have dropped significantly. Places that were once Naxalite strongholds are now building schools and colleges. The so-called Red Corridor is becoming a growth corridor. Singh credited this turnaround to teamwork between police, CRPF, BSF, and local administrations.
The government has clearly invested in modernizing police forces. Since the National Police Memorial opened in 2018 under PM Modi’s leadership, there’s been a push to equip police with better tools drones, advanced surveillance, forensic labs, digital systems. These aren’t just fancy gadgets; they’re game-changers in fighting modern crime.
Singh made another interesting point about police-public relations. Effective policing isn’t a one-way street. Citizens need to be partners, not just spectators. When people respect the law and police respect people, everybody wins.
The ceremony saw participation from several top officials including Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Deka, and BSF chief Daljit Singh Chawdhary. A joint parade by Central Armed Police Forces and Delhi Police added to the event’s significance.
As India remembers its fallen heroes today, one thing is clear the fight for internal security continues, but there’s growing confidence that persistent challenges like Naxalism can be overcome through coordinated efforts and modern policing methods.
Also Read | Defence Minister to Honor Fallen Heroes at Police Commemoration Day as India Remembers 1959 Ladakh Sacrifice
