P.V.Anandpadmanabhan

The history of commemoration Day traces back to October 21, 1959, when a patrol party of CRPF, led by SI Karan Singh, was ambushed by the Chinese forces at Hot Springs Ladakh and 10 jawans were killed. 

Indian Police personnel were responsible for manning the 2,500 mile long border of India with Tibet until the autumn of 1959. 

On October 20, 1959, three reconnaissance parties were launched from Hot Springs in North Eastern Ladakh in preparation for further movement of an Indian expedition which was on its way to Lanak La. While members of two parties returned to Hot Springs by the afternoon of that day, the third one comprising of two Police Constables and a Porter did not return. All available personnel were mobilized early next morning in search of the missing personnel. A party of about 20 Police personnel led by Karam Singh, DCIO proceeded ahead on horseback, while other followed on foot in three Sections. 

At about midday, Chinese Army personnel were seen on a hillock who opened fire and threw grenades at the party led by Karam Singh. Since there was no cover, most personnel were injured. Ten of them died, seven were taken prisoners by the Chinese and the remaining managed to escape. 
Bodies of the ten personnel were returned by the Chinese only on November 13, 1959, a full three weeks after the incident. These bodies were cremated with full Police honours at Hot Springs. 

The Annual Conference of Inspectors General of Police of States and Union Territories held in January 1960 decided that October 21 would henceforth be observed as ‘Commemoration Day’ in all Police Lines throughout India to mark the memory of these gallant personnel who were killed in Ladakh and all other Police personnel killed on duty during the year.

It was also decided to erect a memorial at Hot Springs and, every year, members of Police Forces from different parts of the country trek to Hot Springs to pay homage to those gallant martyrs. Since the year 2012, the Police Commemoration Day Parade is being held at the National level at the Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri. 

PM salutes the bravery of our policemen on Police Commemoration Day  "On Police Commemoration Day we salute all the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives, putting service above themselves. Words can never describe the valour and dedication of our policemen. Their bravery, service and spirit of sacrifice will always inspire us," the Prime Minister said. 

Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao laid a wreath at the Police Martyr’s memorial at Police Headquarters at Naigaon, Mumbai on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day on Tuesday (21 Oct).

The Governor read out a message paying tribute to the police officers and personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty on this occasion. Names of police martyrs during the year 2013-14 were read out. The parade presented ‘Shok Shastra’ and fired three rounds on this occasion.

Since 1961, 32557 police personnel have sacrificed their lives for security of the nation and service to the society. During this year (from 01.09.2013 to 31.08.2014), 662 police personnel throughout the country have laid their lives on the call of duty.