LG VK Saxena pays homage to police martyrs on Police Commemoration Day in LehLadakh Police honours its seven personnel martyred in line of duty

Leh, October 21: Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena today paid homage to police martyrs and laid a wreath at the Police Memorial during the Police Commemoration Day observed at the District Police Lines in Leh. The solemn ceremony honoured the courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice of police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty to safeguard the nation and protect its citizens.
Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on October 21 to remember the valiant sacrifice of 10 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who were martyred on October 21, 1959, at Hot Springs in Ladakh during an encounter with the Chinese Army. Their courage in defending the country’s territorial integrity remains an enduring symbol of duty, patriotism and sacrifice.
The day holds special historical significance for Ladakh, as the events that led to the observance of Police Commemoration Day took place on its rugged and unforgiving terrain. The annual observance across the country pays tribute to police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation and renews the collective resolve to uphold their ideals of courage, integrity and selfless service.
On the occasion, Ladakh Police also remembered its brave personnel who were martyred in the line of duty over the years: Late Inspector Tsewang Namgial, Late Sub-Inspector Stanzin Norboo, Late Assistant Sub-Inspector Sonam Dorjay, Late Constable Ghulam Abass, Late Constable Shabir Hussain, Late Constable Zulfikar Ali and Late Constable Mohammad Raza.
The Roll of Honour was read out with full honour, paying solemn tribute to the martyrs whose names remain etched in the history of police service.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor paid heartfelt tributes to police martyrs across the country, including personnel of Ladakh Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and intelligence agencies. He also expressed his deepest respect for the families of the martyrs, acknowledging that no words or ceremony can fill the void left by the loss of their loved ones. He reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to their dignity, welfare and continued support.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded Ladakh Police for discharging its duties with courage and unwavering commitment despite the region’s challenging geographical and climatic conditions. He noted that the high-altitude terrain, sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall and remote settlements place exceptional demands on police personnel, who continue to maintain law and order and ensure public safety under difficult circumstances.
He also highlighted the role of Ladakh Police as a trusted community guardian, noting its contribution during natural disasters, winter road blockades, high-altitude rescues and emergencies involving stranded residents and tourists. The dedication and compassion of police personnel, he said, have strengthened public trust and contributed to peace and stability in the Union Territory.
Emphasising that peace and security are essential for Ladakh’s continued development, the Lieutenant Governor said the Administration remains committed to strengthening and modernising Ladakh Police through improved surveillance and communication systems, advanced winter gear, better healthcare and housing facilities, and enhanced forensic capabilities. The welfare of police personnel and their families, he said, would remain a priority.
A blood donation camp was also organised as part of the observance.
Chief Secretary, Shri Ashish Kundra; DGP Ladakh Police, Shri Anand Jain; senior Police officials and family members of the martyred Police personnel were present during the event.