Police Commemoration Day was observed on October 21, 2025, honouring police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The day commemorates the October 21, 1959 ambush at Hot Springs, Ladakh, where ten Indian police officers led by Shri Karam Singh were killed by Chinese troops while searching for a missing reconnaissance party. Several others were captured. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi, followed by a joint parade of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Delhi Police. The day was formally designated as Police Commemoration Day in January 1960.
Police Commemoration Day Observed on October 21 — Tribute to 1959 Hot Springs Martyrs
AQuick answer
Police Commemoration Day observed Oct 21 in memory of 10 officers killed in 1959 Hot Springs, Ladakh ambush by Chinese troops. Rajnath Singh laid wreath at NPM.
Key facts
- Police Commemoration Day was observed on October 21, 2025 honouring police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty
- The day commemorates the October 21, 1959 ambush at Hot Springs, Ladakh, where ten Indian police officers led by Shri Karam Singh were killed by Chinese troops
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laid a wreath at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi
- The day was formally designated as Police Commemoration Day in January 1960
Mains angle
Q: Explain the historical origin of Police Commemoration Day and its role in honouring India's police personnel.
Answer (50 words):
Police Commemoration Day, observed on October 21, commemorates ten officers led by Shri Karam Singh killed in a 1959 Chinese ambush at Hot Springs, Ladakh during a reconnaissance mission. Formally designated in January 1960, the observance features wreath-laying at the National Police Memorial and a joint Central Armed Police Forces parade honouring service sacrifices.
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The Armed Forces Flag Day has been observed since which year?
Explanation · Correct answer A
Armed Forces Flag Day has been observed since 1949, aimed at collecting funds for the welfare of armed forces personnel.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Police Commemoration Day observed and what does it commemorate?
**Police Commemoration Day** is observed on **October 21** every year to pay tribute to the **10 CRPF personnel who were martyred at Hot Springs, Ladakh, by Chinese troops on October 21, 1959**, in one of the first armed confrontations of the India-China border dispute.
What happened at Hot Springs in 1959 that Police Commemoration Day remembers?
On **October 21, 1959**, a patrol of **CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) jawans at Hot Springs, Ladakh**, was ambushed by Chinese troops. **10 Indian personnel were killed**, and this event is commemorated annually as Police Martyrs' Day.
Why is October 21 significant for Indian police forces?
October 21 is observed as **Police Commemoration Day** to honour all police personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. The day traces back to the **1959 Hot Springs incident** where CRPF jawans were killed by Chinese troops.
Where is Hot Springs located and why is it historically significant?
**Hot Springs** (also known as Kongka La area) is located in **Ladakh** near the disputed India-China border (LAC). The October 21, 1959 ambush of CRPF personnel there was one of the **earliest violent incidents** in the India-China border conflict history.
What is the significance of Police Commemoration Day for India's security forces?
**Police Commemoration Day** (October 21) is a solemn occasion for all central and state police forces to remember their fallen colleagues. It underscores the **sacrifices of police personnel** in maintaining national security and law and order.
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