Rajnath Singh Pays Tribute to Police Martyrs, Calls for Stronger National Security Balance

Laying a wreath at the memorial in New Delhi, Singh saluted the memory of the police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid solemn tribute to India’s fallen police heroes at the National Police Memorial on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, marking the sacrifice of 10 brave policemen who lost their lives during an ambush by Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959. The annual observance honours the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of India’s police and paramilitary forces who safeguard the nation’s internal security.

Honouring the Bravehearts of Hot Springs

Laying a wreath at the memorial in New Delhi, Singh saluted the memory of the police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He emphasised that the Hot Springs incident remains a powerful reminder of the courage and patriotism of India’s security forces, who serve under the most demanding circumstances to preserve peace and stability.

“Police Commemoration Day is a moment of remembrance, gratitude, and reflection,” he said. “It is because of their selfless service that we can live with security and confidence. The armed forces and police forces are the twin pillars of our national security—while one protects our borders, the other safeguards our social fabric and internal peace.”

The Twin Pillars of Security: Military and Police

In his address, the Defence Minister drew a parallel between the roles of the armed forces and police forces, noting that both institutions serve the common mission of protecting the nation—one from external threats and the other from internal challenges.

“As we look towards Viksit Bharat 2047, balancing external and internal security is more important than ever,” Singh asserted. “The military and police function on different platforms, but their mission is the same—to protect the nation and preserve its integrity.”

He also highlighted emerging threats that India faces today—ranging from cross-border instability to cybercrime, terrorism, organised crime, and ideological extremism—warning that crime has become “more organised, invisible, and complex,” often seeking to “undermine trust and destabilise society.”

Police: Guardians of Peace and Trust

Rajnath Singh commended the police for performing their duties with dedication, noting that their role extends beyond crime prevention to maintaining social confidence and cohesion. “If people are sleeping peacefully today, it’s due to their confidence in our vigilant Armed Forces and alert police. This confidence is the foundation of our country's stability,” he said.

He praised the unwavering commitment of police officers who often face grave risks to uphold law and order, protect citizens, and ensure justice.

Progress Against Naxalism and Internal Threats

Highlighting one of India’s most significant internal security achievements, the Defence Minister spoke about the decline of Naxalism, which once posed a major threat to internal stability.

“Through the concerted and organised efforts of the police, CRPF, BSF, and local administration, Naxalism has been effectively contained,” Singh stated. He revealed that the number of districts affected by left-wing extremism has declined dramatically and expressed confidence that the problem will “end by March next year.”

“Several top Naxalites have been eliminated this year. Those who previously took up arms are now surrendering and joining the mainstream of development,” he added. “Areas once known as the Red Corridor have now become growth corridors and educational hubs.”

Modernising the Police Force

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement, Singh said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the government has prioritised police modernisation and welfare.

“For a long time, the nation did not fully recognise the contributions of the police,” he said. “However, under PM Modi, we have institutionalised that recognition through the National Police Memorial, established in 2018, to honour their sacrifice.”

He detailed the government’s ongoing efforts to equip police forces with modern tools and technologies—including surveillance systems, drones, forensic labs, digital policing platforms, and state-of-the-art weaponry. Singh emphasised that adequate funding and technological upgrades are being provided to states under the Police Modernisation Scheme to enhance efficiency and responsiveness.

Integration and Coordination: The Way Forward

Calling for a more integrated approach to national security, Rajnath Singh underscored the need for coordination between police, intelligence, and security agencies. “Optimal utilisation of resources can only be achieved through collaboration,” he said, urging institutions to break silos and share intelligence to ensure a seamless response to emerging threats.

He also highlighted the interdependence between the police and the public. “Policing can function effectively only when citizens work as partners and respect the law,” he said. “When the relationship between society and the police is based on mutual understanding and responsibility, both prosper.”

Ceremony and Attendees

The solemn occasion featured a joint parade of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the Delhi Police, reflecting unity among India’s security agencies. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Director-General of the BSF Daljit Singh Chawdhary, other heads of CAPFs, retired DGs, and officers from across the police fraternity.

As the bugle sounded and the national flag was raised in honour of the fallen, Rajnath Singh’s message resonated deeply — that India’s strength lies not only in its armed might but also in the steadfast dedication of its police forces who defend the peace and integrity of the nation from within.