On October 21, 2024, the District Enforcement Force (DEF) Mokokchung, alongside the rest of the nation, observed Police Commemoration Day at New Reserve Mokokchung. Senior Superintendent of Police (Sr. SP) Mokokchung, Vesupra Kezo (NPS), and other police officers laid wreaths at the cenotaph, paying respect to the 214 police personnel who sacrificed their lives for the security and safety of the country, including four from the Nagaland Police: Hav. A. Nikiye Tsuipu of the 10th NAP (IR), C/N (Drv) Khetopu Awomi of the 14th NAP (IR), C/N (GD) Wetelhou Losou of the 10th NAP (IR), and C/N (GD) Akangluba of the 10th NAP (IR).
Police Commemoration Day, observed annually on October 21, has its origins in a tragic event from 1959 involving a rescue mission led by DCIO Karam Singh. On that fateful day, Indian police personnel in the Aksai Chin area of Ladakh were ambushed by Chinese forces, resulting in the deaths of ten brave policemen. The bodies of the deceased were handed over by the Chinese on November 13, 1959, and cremated at 8 a.m. on November 14 at the hot springs in Ladakh, where a martyrs’ memorial was later erected.
Every year, police personnel visit the hot springs, located at an altitude of 16,000 feet, to pay homage at the memorial. In 1960, police leaders from all states of India decided in a conference to observe October 21 as Police Commemoration Day throughout the country.
The Police Commemoration Day Parade was also held at the Nagaland Police Headquarters (PHQ), Kohima, where Director General of Police, Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS, addressed the gathering, paying tribute to the sacrifices of policemen across India.
The DGP particularly honored the memory of four brave martyrs from the Nagaland Police who sacrificed their lives under challenging circumstances while performing their duties. He also acknowledged the relentless efforts of all Nagaland Police personnel over the past year. Despite missing out on celebrations with their families, the officers worked with unwavering dedication to maintain law and order, and contributed to the peaceful conduct of two state elections in 2024.
Similarly, DEF Wokha also observed the Police Commemoration Day at SP Office, Wokha. Superintendent of Police, Wokha, Aotula T Imchen, IPS delivering the commemoration message said, the day is a significant day as it is observed as martyr’s day in all police forces and paramilitary forces across India. She added that it is a solemn day to remember the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty and in defending the country.
Imchen appealed to the police personnel and officers to be disciplined, courageous and dedicated while in the line of performing the challenges ahead. She further encouraged them to get inspiration from the sacrifices of the martyrs and move forward in their path of their duty of devotion, dedication and sense of responsibility while serving the society.
Addl. SP, Wokha, K Soriso, NPS read out the list of police martyrs. It was followed by laying of wreaths, which was led by SP Wokha followed by the officers and other ranks of DEF Wokha.