Puducherry, 09 August (H.S.):The Puducherry Police on Sunday received the President’s Colour, the highest honour conferred on a police force, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah presenting the prestigious insignia at a ceremonial function in the Union Territory.

The presentation ceremony was held at the Puducherry Armed Police Ground in Gorimedu, where Shah handed over the Colour to the force’s Ensign Officer. The honour marks formal recognition of the Puducherry Police’s record of service, discipline and professional excellence.

Director General of Police Shalini Singh was present alongside Shah during the ceremony, which was attended by senior officers and personnel of the Union Territory police.

Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan and Chief Minister N Rangasamy were among the dignitaries attending the event, along with senior government officials and representatives of the police administration.

President Droupadi Murmu had approved the conferment of the President’s Colour, also known as Nishaan, on May 8 in recognition of the force’s exceptional service, discipline and distinguished achievements.

The President’s Colour is considered one of the most prestigious distinctions for military and police organisations in India and symbolises their service and contribution over the years. Several armed forces and state police organisations have received the honour in the past.

Security was tightened across Puducherry ahead of Shah’s visit, with more than 1,000 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force and Puducherry Police deployed at important locations. Vehicle checks were intensified at entry points and across the city.

Traffic restrictions and diversions were introduced on routes connecting Gorimedu, Raj Nivas and Puducherry airport. Authorities also banned drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and other flying devices during the visit.

Shah reached Puducherry on Saturday night after completing engagements in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Earlier, he travelled from Chennai by helicopter to Tiruvannamalai, where he offered prayers at the Arunachaleswarar Temple and visited the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram before continuing to Puducherry for the President’s Colour ceremony.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman