Sacrifices made by police martyrs will always be remembered, says official

Deputy Commissioner Snehal R. on Wednesday said that the sacrifice of police personnel who lay down their lives in the line of duty to protect the country and maintain law and order will always be remembered.

She stressed the need to honour not only the martyrs but also their families who share their sacrifice.

She was speaking at the Police Commemoration Day programme at the District Armed Reserve (DAR) Headquarters in Dharwad on Wednesday after paying floral tributes to police personnel who died in the line of duty.

She recalled that 10 personnel were killed in an encounter with Chinese troops at Hot Springs in Ladakh on October 21, 1959. She said that the day is observed annually to commemorate their bravery and sacrifice.

Referring to the kind of work pressure on the police force, she said that the personnel work tirelessly to ensure public safety during festivals, public gatherings and difficult situations.

Their role in providing security during the agitation by sugarcane growers, including accompanying farmers for nearly 100 km from Belagavi on their padayatra, is an example of their commitment to duty, she said.

Ms. Snehal said that the district administration will work in coordination with the Police Department to maintain law and order. Support for the families of police personnel who died in service should extend beyond the annual observance, she added.

Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya said that 154 personnel from various police forces and security agencies died in the line of duty between September 1, 2025 and August 31, 2026.

Among the Karnataka personnel named in the list of martyrs are Inspector Panchayya Veerayya Salimath, Assistant Sub-Inspectors C.S. Hutagi and Basavaraj M.L., Head Constables Beeralinga, A.M. Salamantapi and Ismail Eralam and Senior Civil Police Officer Sajeesh K.

Mr. Arya said that the sacrifices made by personnel from the State police forces and Central security organisations, including the CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP and SSB, are also being commemorated on the occasion.

Their courage, dedication and commitment to public service will continue to inspire future generations, he said.

The ceremony included a ceremonial parade, a three-round gun salute and musical tributes by the police band.

Police personnel, family members of martyrs and members of the public attended the programme and paid tributes to the police martyrs.