PM Narendra Modi pays homage to slain policemen, inaugurates National Police Memorial in Delhi's Chanakyapuri

NEW DELHI: On the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid homage to slain policemen who made supreme sacrifices in the line of duty as he dedicated the refurbished National Police Memorial built in Delhi's Chanakyapuri to the nation.

While speaking on the occasion, PM Modi, who is generally perceived as a “strong” leader, turned emotional and broke down as he remembered the supreme sacrifices made by several policemen in the line of duty. The PM said that the entire nation will always remain grateful to the brave sons of the Mother India.    

''It is the day to remember every jawan who maintains law and peace in Jammu and Kashmir and fights against terrorism. Jawans on duty in Naxal-affected areas are doing a great service. It's also due to them that the t number of Naxal affected districts are going down and youth is coming to the mainstream,'' the PM said.

''It is the result of your alertness that the elements which create unrest are unsuccessful in their attempts. The attempts to create fear and insecurity in the nation were foiled by you. The peace prevalent in the nation is possible only due to your services,'' PM Modi said.

The National Police Day is observed on October 21 to pay homage to 10 policemen killed in an ambush by Chinese troops in 1959 in Ladakh's Hot Spring area. Several top leaders including PM Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP veteran LK Advani and top officials of the government are attending the event to recognise the sacrifices made by police personnel since Independence.

Ahead of inaugurating the police memorial, PM Modi and other top leaders paid homage to the slain police personnel. 

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and senior BJP leader LK Advani pay tributes to the policemen killed in an ambush by Chinese troops in 1959 in Ladakh's Hot Spring area, on National Police Memorial Day today. pic.twitter.com/KpxhWcmw0m — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2018

PM Modi also honoured the survivors of the Hot Spring incident and interacted with them. 

#WATCH Delhi: PM Modi honours the survivors of the Hot Spring Incident, on National Police Memorial Day today. 10 policemen were killed in an ambush by Chinese troops in 1959 in Ladakh's Hot Spring area. pic.twitter.com/iqmaXWYPYF — ANI (@ANI) October 21, 2018

PM Modi had on Saturday informed that he will be dedicating to the nation the National Police Memorial on Police Commemoration Day on Sunday.

''A grateful nation pays tributes to all those policemen and policewomen martyred in the line of duty. We salute their families for their fortitude,” he tweeted. 

According to an official statement, the 30-ft monolith erected on 6.12 acres in Chanakyapuri represents all state and union territories' police forces as well as central police organisations of the country. 

"Since 1947, 34,844 police personnel have been martyred, with 424 losing their lives this year. Many of these brave lives were lost in the fight against terrorism," it said and added, "Further, a large number of police lives were lost in the prevention of crime and in the maintenance of law and order."

A police museum would also be inaugurated, it further said statement.

Later in the day, PM Modi will hoist the national flag at Delhi’s Red Fort to mark the 75th anniversary of the formation of the government of 'free India'. 

The Prime Minister will hoist the 'Tiranga' and unveil the plaque to celebrate the anniversary of the Azad Hind government, inspired and headed by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

According to an official statement, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma and Indian National Army (INA) veteran RS Chhikara among others will also be present at the event.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for a museum dedicated to the Azad Hind Fauj or the INA.

(With Agency inputs)