Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty on the occasion of National Police Commemoration Day 2026 on Wednesday. Both leaders recalled the courage, dedication and commitment to the nation demonstrated by police personnel and said the country would never forget their supreme sacrifice.
A tribute ceremony was held at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi. Shah also flagged off a motorcycle rally organised under the theme “Fight Against Drugs” to raise awareness about narcotics.
National Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on October 21 in memory of police personnel who lost their lives while protecting the country, maintaining law and order, and safeguarding citizens.
Modi expressed his gratitude to police personnel in a message posted on the social media platform X. He said Police Commemoration Day provides an opportunity to remember the contributions of personnel who continue to discharge their responsibilities with commitment, even under difficult circumstances.
The Prime Minister highlighted the role of police forces in maintaining law and order, controlling crime, responding swiftly to emergencies and ensuring the safety of ordinary citizens. He paid tribute to personnel who were killed in the line of duty, describing their courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice as an integral part of the nation's collective memory.
Police personnel across the country are responsible for controlling crime, combating terrorism, carrying out relief operations during disasters and maintaining public order. The day also serves as an occasion to honour their work and efforts under challenging conditions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off a motorcycle rally under the theme “Fight Against Drugs” from the National Police Memorial in New Delhi. The initiative aims to raise awareness about narcotics and encourage public participation in efforts to build a drug-free society.
Approximately 90 riders from nine states and union territories were reported to be participating in the rally. Personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organisations (CPOs) also joined the initiative.
According to the scheduled programme, the rally will pass through various states before reaching Ekta Nagar in Gujarat. The participants are scheduled to take part in the Ekta Parade on October 31. The event is associated with National Unity Day, observed on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The rally aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drugs and encourage young people to stay away from narcotic substances.
National Police Commemoration Day is linked to a historic incident in 1959. On October 21 that year, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel displayed courage during an attack by Chinese soldiers in the Hot Springs area of Ladakh. Ten police personnel lost their lives in the incident.
The day is observed annually on October 21 in memory of their bravery and sacrifice. It has become an occasion to honour members of police forces and security organisations across the country who have lost their lives while performing their duties.
At the tribute ceremony held at the National Police Memorial in Delhi, Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Dr Mahesh Dixit also paid homage to the police personnel who died in the line of duty.
During the ceremony, Dr Mahesh Dixit cited figures relating to the sacrifices made by police personnel. According to him, 154 police personnel lost their lives while serving the country over the past year, while the total number of personnel who have sacrificed their lives since Independence stands at 36,852.
The figures highlight the risks faced by police personnel while maintaining law and order and protecting citizens. Police forces frequently operate in challenging circumstances in which their lives are exposed to serious danger.
