The 65th state-level Police Commemoration Day was observed at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) headquarters in Jalandhar on Monday to honor the brave personnel of the Punjab Police who sacrificed their lives in the fight against militants and criminals for the unity and security of the nation.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, paid glowing tributes to the police martyrs, emphasizing that the Punjab Police is a force known for its bravery and dedication, both in times of peace and conflict. He highlighted the sacrifices made by 1799 police personnel since September 1981, including two this year, who laid down their lives for the nation.
Addressing the gathering, DGP Yadav said that the freedom and safety enjoyed by citizens today are the result of the sacrifices made by these bravehearts. He assured that the Punjab Police remains committed to maintaining peace, security, and communal harmony in the state, especially in the border areas.
Proactive Policing Strategy
Speaking to the media, DGP Yadav emphasized that street crime and drug trafficking are two key areas that affect the common citizen directly. To combat street crime, the police are identifying crime hotspots through crime mapping and increasing patrolling in vulnerable areas. Similarly, to tackle drug-related crimes, drug hotspots are being identified with public cooperation, and senior police officials are holding community meetings to gather intelligence on drug sale points.
Tackling Extortion and Organized Crime
Addressing the issue of extortion calls, DGP Yadav revealed that over 80% of such calls are made by local criminals pretending to be notorious gangsters, with fewer than 20% coming from actual gang members. He urged the public to report all extortion cases and petty crimes such as snatching, directing police officers to promptly convert such reports into FIRs for thorough investigation.
DGP Yadav further highlighted the proactive approach adopted by the Punjab Police in dealing with organized crime, where officers have been instructed to retaliate in self-defense if criminals open fire.
Welfare of Police Personnel
The DGP also announced a health insurance scheme for police personnel, under which 300 hospitals across Punjab have been empanelled to provide medical facilities at subsidized rates.
Tributes to the Martyrs
Following the commemoration ceremony, DGP Yadav met with the families of police martyrs, offering them full support and assistance from the Punjab Government and the Punjab Police. He assured them that the sacrifices of their loved ones would not be forgotten and that the Punjab Police would continue its dedicated service to ensure peace and harmony in the state.
A well-organized commemoration parade was held at the Police Martyr’s Memorial in the PAP campus. After a general salute to the DGP, the names of all 213 police martyrs, including Constable Amritpal Singh and PHG Jaspal Singh, who died this year during law and order duty, were read aloud. A two-minute silence was observed in honor of the fallen heroes, and senior officers laid wreaths at the memorial.
Prominent attendees at the event included Special DGsP, ADGsP, IGsP, and other senior officials of the Punjab Police.
History of Police Commemoration Day
Police Commemoration Day dates back to October 21, 1959, when a patrol of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was ambushed by Chinese forces at Hot Springs in Ladakh, resulting in the death of 10 jawans. Their bravery in defending the nation under extreme conditions is remembered every year with commemoration parades held across the country. On this day, the names of police martyrs are read out, and a two-minute silence is observed to honor their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.