Delhi, 21 October (H.S.): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to the nation's fallen police personnel on Tuesday, laying a wreath at the National Police Memorial to mark Police Commemoration Day. The day solemnly remembers the ten valiant policemen who lost their lives in a 1959 ambush by Chinese troops in Hot Springs, Ladakh.

In his address, the Defence Minister delivered glowing tributes to the police and paramilitary forces for their unwavering service. He described the armed forces and police as the core pillars of national security, with the former protecting India's geographical integrity and the latter safeguarding its social fabric.

The military and police function on different platforms, but their mission is the same - to protect the nation, Shri Singh stated, emphasizing the importance of balancing external and internal security to achieve the 'Viksit Bharat by 2047' vision.

Addressing modern challenges, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the emergence of new forms of organized, invisible crime and terrorism designed to create chaos and undermine national stability. He praised the police for fulfilling their duty to prevent crime while upholding societal trust.

If people are sleeping peacefully today, it’s due to their confidence in our vigilant Armed Forces and alert police, he remarked.

The Defence Minister also pointed to significant successes against left-wing extremism, asserting that concerted efforts have drastically reduced the influence of Naxalism. He expressed confidence that the problem will be fully eradicated by March of next year.

Areas that were once Naxalite hubs are now becoming educational hubs. Areas that were once known as the Red Corridor have now transformed into growth corridors, he added.

Singh reiterated the government's commitment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to modernizing the police force, citing the establishment of the National Police Memorial and the provision of state-of-the-art weapons, surveillance systems, and digital policing tools.

The event included a joint parade by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Delhi Police. It was attended by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of the Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, and Director General of the BSF Daljit Singh Chawdhary, among other senior officials.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar