Along with the rest of the country, the Arunachal Police today observed the Police Commemoration Day paying respect to 383 policemen, who laid down their lives in the line of duty across the length and breadth of the country in last one year. Two police personnel from Arunachal Pradesh— constable Prodip Tayeng and Nada Umbing were also killed during the period.

Observed on October 21 every year, the Police Commemoration Day remembers the sacrifices of ten policemen who died in Chinese firing in 1959.

Chinese troops opened fire and threw grenades at a party of 20 police personnel. Ten were killed in the incident, which left seven others injured, who were later taken as prisoners. Three weeks later, China returned the bodies of the ten personnel which were later cremated with full police honours at Hot Springs in North Eastern Ladakh. Police personnel had been responsible for manning the 2,500 mile long border of India with Tibet until the autumn of 1959.

A memorial was erected at Hot Springs and members of Police Forces from different parts of the country trek to Hot Springs to pay homage to the martyrs. Since the year 2012, the Police Commemoration Day Parade is being held at the National level at the Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri.

Since independence, 34,418 police personnel have lost their lives while protecting the country.

Arunachal particularly the capital region has witnessed many criminal incidents. The ever climbing crime graph is undermining the gravity of the department, pride of uniform and intent of its actions. Due to its failure in positioning itself as bona fide guardians of law, unfettered anti-social elements are literally mocking the police.

Given the fact that policemen are looked up to, yet the recent events have dented its image. However, skim the surface ever so slightly and it becomes apparent that the police cannot alone be blamed for the situation which is a collective undoing, aggravated by meddling politicians and citizens.

Needless to say, the police department lacks manpower and its dependence on obsolete equipment reduces its efficiency even further. After being deployed in VIP duties, there are hardly enough personnel to even ensure proper functioning of a police station. Police reform and modernization and a freedom is crucial for them to work to its full potential.

All said we owe it to our police for ensuring our internal safety and keeping chaos at bay. The life of a policeman is fraught with immense pressure and the harshness of the urban jungle cannot be underestimated.

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