New Delhi [India], October 21 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday emphasized the importance of unity between the Army and police in ensuring national security, saying that both forces share the same spirit in safeguarding the country.
Addressing the Police Commemoration Day programme at the National Police Memorial in national capital, Singh drew from his experience as a former Home Minister and his current role as Defence Minister, highlighting the critical roles both the police and Army play in the country's security.
"I myself have served as Home Minister. I have had the opportunity to observe the operations of the police up close. Furthermore, as Defence Minister, I also have the opportunity to closely observe the actions of the Army. Both Army and police are pillars of the country's security. Whoever the enemy may be, whether it comes from across the border or lurks among us, every individual who stands up for India's security represents the same spirit," Rajnath Singh said during the event.
Singh stressed that as India enters the 'Amrit Kal' and looks towards achieving 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, balancing internal and external security has become more important than ever.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "The military and police may have different platforms, but their mission is the same, which is national security. Today, as we enter the Amrit Kal and look toward 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047, balancing India's internal and external security has become more important than ever."
He further lauded the police for not only fighting crime but also for managing perception, saying, "Today, the police have to fight not only crime but also perception. It is a good thing that our police, along with its official duty, is also performing its moral duty very well. Today, the citizens of the country have confidence that if something wrong happens, the police will stand with them."
The Defence Minister expressed regret that the contributions of the police had not been fully recognized for a long time, but credited PM Modi's leadership for establishing the National Police Memorial in 2018 and providing the police with modern weapons and better facilities.
Singh stated, "It's a matter of great regret that for a long time, we, as a society and as a nation, didn't fully recognise the contributions of the police. We didn't make the positive efforts that should have been made to keep their memories alive. However, under PM Modi's leadership, we established the National Police Memorial in 2018. Along with this, we also provided the police with modern weapons and better facilities... As a nation, we face many challenges, but our resources to meet them are limited. Therefore, we must optimally utilise those resources. This can only be achieved through coordination and integration with security agencies."
Singh also paid tributes to the bravehearts, honored the supreme sacrifices made by police personnel in service of the nation in the Police Commemoration Day programme.
Police Commemoration Day (October 21) is observed across the country to pay homage to police bravehearts. The main function is organised at National Police Memorial, New Delhi.
On October 21, 1959, ten valiant Policemen laid down their lives in an ambush laid by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh. Since then, October 21 is observed as Police Commemoration Day every year. In recognition of the sacrifices made by Police personnel and their paramount role in preserving national security and integrity, the Prime Minister dedicated National Police Memorial (NPM), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi to the nation on Police Commemoration Day 2018.
The Memorial gives Police Forces a sense of national identity, pride, unity of purpose, common history and destiny, besides reinforcing their commitment to protect the nation even at the cost of their lives. The Memorial comprises a Central Sculpture, the 'Wall of Valour' and a Museum. The Central Sculpture, which is a 30-foot-high granite monolith cenotaph, stands for strength, resilience and selfless service of Police personnel.
The museum is conceptualised as a historical and evolving exhibition on policing in India. The Memorial is a site of pilgrimage, a place of reverence for Police personnel and citizens alike.
As a part of the remembrances, CAPFs/CPOs organise various Commemorative Events at National Police Memorial from October 22 to 30, which include visits of family members of bravehearts, Police Band Display, motorcycle rallies, run for fallen policemen, blood donation camps, essay/painting competitions for children and display of video films showcasing sacrifice, valour and services of Police personnel. Similar programmes are organised by all the Police Forces across the country during this period.