Onlykashmir.in News Desk
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Wednesday solemnly observed Police Commemoration Day at Group Centre (GC) Humhama in Srinagar, paying heartfelt tributes to the brave police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty while safeguarding the nation.
October 21 is observed in memory of ten CRPF personnel who laid down their lives on October 21, 1959, in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs in Ladakh, and of all other police personnel who attained martyrdom in the line of duty.
The commemorative programme was presided over by Rajesh Kumar, IPS, Special Director General (SDG), J&K Zone, CRPF. It was attended by Pawan Kumar Sharma, IG, Srinagar Sector, DIGs Vivek Bhandral, Praveen Kumar Singh and Harvinder Singh Kales, Swapna G. Meshram, IPS, DIG, and other officers and personnel of the Force.
The programme began with the SDG laying a wreath at the Martyrs’ Memorial and paying solemn homage to the brave hearts. The gathering observed the occasion with deep reverence, remembering the courage, dedication and supreme sacrifices of the martyrs. Addressing the officers and personnel, the SDG highlighted the significance of the day and paid tribute to the unwavering commitment and valour of police personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
As part of the ceremony, the SDG read out the names of all 154 police personnel who attained martyrdom during 2026, honouring their selfless service and supreme sacrifice. The ceremony served as a poignant reminder of the Force’s legacy of courage, sacrifice and devotion to duty. A ceremonial Salami Shastra was also performed at the Quarter Guard, reflecting the Force’s deep respect for its martyrs and its enduring tradition of discipline and honour.
The observance concluded with a renewed pledge by Force personnel to uphold the highest traditions of the CRPF and continue serving the nation with courage, integrity and dedication.
Commemorative roll calls and memorial gatherings were also organised across all CRPF units and formations across the country. The Union Home Minister also acknowledged the sacrifices of police personnel in safeguarding the country’s borders, sovereignty and internal security while addressing the gathering at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi.
Police Commemoration Day is observed every year across India as an occasion to remember those who gave their lives in service, and to acknowledge the families who live with that loss. In Jammu and Kashmir, where security forces have long operated in demanding conditions, the day carries deep significance, and ceremonies such as the one at Humhama reaffirm the pledge of the forces to honour their fallen comrades by continuing to serve with the same dedication.
