'Ultimate Sacrifice': Amit Shah Recalls 1959 Hot Springs Incident
Home Minister Amit Shah honours the 10 CRPF personnel who died resisting Chinese attacks in Ladakh during the 1959 Hot Springs incident.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday paid a poignant tribute to the bravery of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), recalling the 1959 Hot Springs incident in Ladakh. Speaking at the National Police Commemoration Day parade in Delhi, the Home Minister highlighted the valour of 10 CRPF personnel who laid down their lives while resisting an onslaught by Chinese troops.
The History of Police Commemoration Day
While addressing the gathering, Amit Shah explained the historical weight behind the annual observance of October 21. He took the opportunity to educate the public on why this specific date is etched in the memory of the nation's security forces.
The Home Minister recounted that on October 21, 1959, in the rugged and high-altitude terrain of the Hot Springs region in Ladakh, ten valiant policemen were caught in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops. Despite the overwhelming odds and the inevitable nature of the conflict in those treacherous hills, the personnel fought bravely.
"Those immortal sons of the nation, determined that not even an inch of our land should fall into foreign hands, made the ultimate sacrifice," Shah stated.
It is this act of supreme courage and dedication to territorial integrity that led to the establishment of Police Commemoration Day, observed every year on October 21.
The Unseen Struggles of the Force
Beyond the historical tragedy, Amit Shah spoke candidly about the grueling nature of a career in the police force. He described it as perhaps the most demanding and challenging form of government service, emphasizing the personal costs borne by officers and their families.
He pointed out a stark contrast between the lives of ordinary citizens and those in uniform: while the nation celebrates festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Raksha Bandhan with their loved ones, police personnel remain on duty. Whether managing traffic, ensuring internal security, or safeguarding the public, these officers often spend their prime years away from home.
Honouring the Fallen
The Union Home Minister also visited the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, where he paid solemn floral tributes. The memorial serves as a permanent reminder of the security personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The National Police Memorial was dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister in 2018, specifically to recognize the paramount role the police play in preserving the security and integrity of India.