Leh, Oct 21 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, on Tuesday led a solemn ceremony to commemorate the supreme sacrifices of police personnel across the country. He said that he is proud of Ladakh Police’s unwavering commitment.
Addressing a gathering of officers, soldiers, and dignitaries, the LG, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), paid heartfelt tribute to those who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
“Today, we remember our martyrs with gratitude and humility,” the LG said, adding that Police Commemoration Day is not merely a formal observance but a moment to reaffirm the ideals of duty, discipline, and dedication that define India’s police forces.
Highlighting the sacrifices made this year, Gupta noted that ninety-one personnel from various police and paramilitary forces had laid down their lives while serving the nation.
He paid special homage to Inspector Phang Namgyal of the Ladakh Police, who lost his life during a search-and-rescue operation in the Indus River. “His bravery, dedication, and spirit of public service will remain forever etched in the history of Ladakh Police,” Gupta said, recalling that Inspector Namgyal was posthumously awarded the State Bravery Award on Republic Day 2012 — a matter of pride for Ladakh.
The LG commended the Ladakh Police, led by Director General of Police S.D. Singh Jamwal, for maintaining peace, harmony, and public confidence in the Union Territory despite its challenging terrain.
“Maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of every citizen is the highest duty of the police, and I am proud of Ladakh Police’s unwavering commitment,” he added.
Gupta urged police personnel to emulate the ideals of Inspector Namgyal — dedication, public sensitivity, and loyalty to the nation — and appealed to Ladakh’s youth to imbibe discipline and a spirit of service. “You are the guardians of Ladakh’s future. Your efforts will make this land safer, stronger, and more respected,” he said.
Expressing gratitude to the families of police and security personnel, Gupta said their patience and sacrifices form the backbone of the nation’s security. Quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he remarked that India’s strength lies in the dedication and sense of duty of its citizens.
Concluding his address, the LG said, “Let us honor our martyrs by rededicating ourselves to service, protecting citizens, upholding law and justice and strengthening the unity of our nation.”
Meanwhile, Police Commemoration Day was also observed with pride and solemnity at the District Police Lines Kargil, along with the rest of the country.
Executive Councillors of LAHDC Kargil, Kacho Mohammad Feroz and Aga Syed Mujtaba, Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Brigadier of 121 Infantry Brigade, SSP Kargil Shree Ram R, army officials, police personnel, and family members of martyrs paid floral tributes at the Martyrs’ Memorial.
Speaking on the occasion, Executive Councillor Kacho Mohammad Feroz said the contribution of police martyrs and said Kargil has a glorious history of giving heroes to the nation. He also appreciated the efforts of District Police Kargil under SSP Shree Ram R for maintaining peace and conducting people-friendly initiatives.
SSP Kargil recalled the supreme sacrifices of police personnel and narrated the background of Police Commemoration Day, which is observed in memory of ten brave policemen who laid down their lives at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959.
Special mention was made of Constables Zulfiqar Ali and Mohammad Raza of Kargil District, who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Their families were felicitated during the event.
A parade was held, followed by a two-minute silence in memory of the martyrs—(KNO)