Sudam Babu |State Bureau Chief Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police observed the 67th Police Commemoration Day at its headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, honouring police officers and security personnel who lost their lives while performing their duties. The ceremony paid tribute to their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting the nation.

Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra attended the programme as the chief guest and led the tributes to the fallen personnel. He expressed his condolences to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country.

The ceremony began with a formal salute to the martyrs, followed by two minutes of silence in remembrance of their sacrifice.

October 21 Marks a Historic Chapter in India’s Police Service

Addressing the gathering, DGP Mishra highlighted the historical significance of Police Commemoration Day. The observance traces its origins to October 21, 1959, when ten Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed during a confrontation with Chinese troops in the Ladakh region.

Their bravery became a lasting symbol of duty and sacrifice. Since then, police forces across India have observed the day annually to remember personnel who died in the line of duty.

Mishra noted that 154 personnel belonging to different state police forces and Central Armed Police Forces had lost their lives while carrying out their responsibilities during the year. He honoured their service and described their sacrifice as an enduring inspiration for serving officers and personnel.

Odisha Remembers Personnel Killed in Anti-Maoist Operations

The DGP also paid tribute to Odisha Police personnel and paramilitary members who died during anti-Maoist operations across the state. He acknowledged their contribution to efforts aimed at countering Maoist violence and strengthening peace and security in Odisha.

He emphasised that the sacrifices made by security personnel and their families deserve lasting recognition. The courage and determination displayed by these individuals, he said, remain an important part of the state’s efforts to maintain stability and protect its citizens.

Police Must Adapt to Emerging Security Challenges

Mishra said policing involves responsibilities that extend well beyond conventional crime prevention. Officers must respond to a wide range of challenges, including terrorism, Maoist activities, organised criminal networks, cybercrime, drug trafficking, road safety, crimes against women and children, and the maintenance of public order.

He called for continuous professional development to help the force respond effectively to these evolving threats. Greater use of modern technology, improved operational capabilities and regular training were identified as important priorities for strengthening policing.

The DGP urged officers and personnel to perform their duties with integrity, courage and dedication. He also stressed the importance of building public confidence through responsible conduct and effective service delivery.

Calling for a collective commitment to a safer and more peaceful Odisha, Mishra encouraged the police force to work towards reducing crime and ensuring security for communities throughout the state.

Personnel from Multiple Security Organisations Remembered

The commemoration also honoured personnel from a broad range of state and central security organisations who died while serving the country. These included members of the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), CRPF, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Assam Rifles and Railway Protection Force (RPF).

Representatives of state police forces, Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards were also included among those remembered during the observance.

The programme was conducted under the direct supervision of Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Pratik Mohanty.

Several senior officers attended the event, including Intelligence Director R. P. Koche, Vigilance Director Yashwant Kumar Jethwa, Additional DGP (Modernisation) S. K. Priyadarshi, SFSL Director Dr Santosh Bala, Additional DGP (Railways and Coastal Security) Arun Bothra, Additional DGP (Vigilance) Asit Kumar Panigrahi, Additional DGP (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, Additional DGP (SAP) Rajesh Kumar and Additional DGP (HRPC) Yatindra Koyal, along with other senior officials.

The ceremony concluded with officers paying their respects to the personnel who gave their lives in the line of duty. The observance served as a reminder of the risks faced by police and security forces and the importance of recognising their service, sacrifice and commitment to public safety.