Police Commemoration Day observed on October 21

Highlights:

• National Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on October 21, in India. 
• This day is dedicated to the sacrifices of ten policemen, who died in Chinese firing in the year 1959.
• On October 21, 1959, Chinese troops threw grenades and opened fire at twenty Indian soldiers in Ladakh. 
• Out of them, ten brave police personnel attained martyrdom while seven others sustained injuries in that incident. 
• A month later, on November 28, 1959, dead bodies of the martyred policemen were handed over to India by the Chinese troops. 
• Their cremation was held at the Hot springs in North Eastern Ladakh, with full Police honours. 
• Since then, October 21 is observed as “Police Commemoration Day”.
• National level Police Commemoration Day Parade is held at the Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri, since the year 2012.
• The day has become more significant in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic. 
• Ever since the COVID-19 outbreak in India in 2020, Indian police officers have been on the frontline along with healthcare officials. 
• Several police officers lost their life while discharging their duties.

• National Police Museum was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on October 15, 2018. 
• It is handled by the central armed police forces (CAPFs) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). 
• Museum depicts the history, uniform & gear of central as well as state police forces in India.