Police Commemoration Day [21st October]

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Oct 21, 2022, 13:57

Police Commemoration Day is an annual observation held on 21st October to commemorate the martyrdom of 10 CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the 1959 attack by Chinese troops in Ladakh. We pay tribute to those brave people who sacrificed their lives while safeguarding the nation on Police Commemoration Day.

The Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories passed a resolution to observe 21st October as Police Commemoration Day. Learn more about this Police Day, its history, and its importance here.

Police Commemoration Day 2022

On 21st October 1959, Chinese troops killed 10 CRPF personnel in the Hot Springs region near Ladakh. To commemorate those who lost their lives in this incident, we observe Police Commemoration Day every year on this day. The CRPF is responsible for maintaining law and order and counter-insurgency situations, and the 10 martyrs must be revered for their sacrifice to safeguard the nation.

Police Day in India honors not only the martyrs of the 1959 incident but all the brave police personnel working for the safety of the citizens. This day is observed each year in honor of the personnel who lost their lives during the Indo-China dispute on the Ladakh border. Get an overview of the day here:

Event Name

Police Commemoration Day

Observed On

21st October

Announced By

Government of India

Aim of the Day

To commemorate the 10 CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the

Police Commemoration Day Theme

Although Police Day is observed nationwide on 21st October, there is no specific theme for the day. The general aim of the day is to honor the policemen who sacrificed their lives for the nation in the Chinese attack on Indian CRPF personnel in Ladakh in 1959.

Besides this, this is also a day to express gratitude towards the police officers who dedicate their lives to ensuring the safety of the country's citizens. Police Commemoration Day may not have a theme, but the spirit of celebrating our brave policemen's efforts resonates with every citizen of the country.

Police Commemoration Day History

The history of Police Commemoration Day can be traced back to the border dispute that occurred between the Indian and Chinese troops in 1959 near the Ladakh region. In this dispute, 10 CRPF personnel ended up losing their lives. To honor these lives, the Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories recommended that 21st October should be celebrated as Police Day. Find more details about the complete incident here:

  • On 20th October 1959, whilst the CRPF was guarding the 2,600-mile India-Tibet border, 3 CRPF units were separately dispatched to patrol the Indo-China border in North-Eastern Ladakh.
  • One of these three units did not return from patrol.
  • Following this incident, another contingent led by DCIO Karam Singh went on a search for the lost troop on 21st October.
  • As the Indian troop approached, the Chinese army opened fire on Indian soldiers, took seven soldiers as prisoners, and killed 10 other soldiers.
  • The bodies of the martyred soldiers were handed over by the Chinese troops on 28th November 1959, after more than a month of the dispute.

To commemorate the lost lives in the incident, Police Commemoration Day is held every year on 21st October. Since 2012, a special parade is also held at the Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, Delhi. Police Day is about expressing gratitude towards those who sacrifice their own lives to safeguard the nation.

Significance of Police Day in India

Indian police make one of the most organized and strong security forces in the world. They carry out numerous operations and guard the borders of the country tirelessly so that the citizens can sleep peacefully. To honor the service of these policemen, we celebrate Police Commemoration Day.

Observing a day like Police Day is important because it gives us a chance to express our gratitude towards those who work day and night to safeguard our lives. Moreover, it is also a day that marks the day of martyrdom of the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the Hot Springs region in Ladakh to the Chinese army in 1959.

Police Day in India

The Indian citizens honor police officers working for the nation's safety on Police Commemoration Day. With immense respect and gratitude in their hearts, the citizens mark Police Day in India with parades and other public events. Here are some of the activities that occur annually on this day in the country:

  • An annual parade is conducted at the Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, Delhi, to mark Police Day.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first ever police museum in the country on 15th October 2018.
  • The CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) and the Intelligence Bureau are in charge of this museum.
  • On this day, people visit their local police station to express gratitude towards the policemen working for the country.

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FAQs on Police Commemoration Day

Q1. When is Police Commemoration Day celebrated?

Police Commemoration Day is celebrated on 21st October every year. This day marks the martyrdom of 10 CRPF personnel who lost their lives during the 1959 border dispute with China in Ladakh. Police Day is a day to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Q2. Why is Police Commemoration Day celebrated?

On 21st October 1959, Chinese troops attacked Indian CRPF personnel near the Ladakh region, due to which 10 CRPF personnel lost their lives. To commemorate and honor these sacrificed lives, we observe Police Commemoration Day on 21st October each year.

Q3. What is the history of Police Commemoration Day?

Police Commemoration Day was announced during the Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories. This day is observed on 21st October every year to mark the date on which 10 CRPF personnel lost their lives in a dispute with the Chinese army in Ladakh in 1959.

Q4. How is Police Commemoration Day celebrated in India?

Police Day in India is celebrated with a lot of gratitude and enthusiasm. It is a day on which people express gratitude to the policemen safeguarding our nation. Special parades are held in the country on this day to commemorate Police Day.

Q5. What is the theme of Police Commemoration Day?

There is no particular theme for Police Commemoration Day. The day simply celebrates and honors the lives and efforts of the police personnel who put their lives at risk for the safety of the nation. Police Day also commemorates the martyrdom of the 10 CRPF policemen in Ladakh in 1959.