Remembering the martyrs and saluting Police .. ..

This morning Marina beach was abuzz  ~ vehicles were not allowed to be parked in the inner ring road.  There was large posse of Police nearer Gandhi statue too! You see them everywhere and seek their help – the men and women  in khaki,  those known for bravery and safe-guarding us – “ Police ” ~ 21^st October is the day to remember them.

It is unlikely that most of us would recognize the names of Dharman, Rajguru, Chandra, Edward Joseph and some others .. .. for sure you have read about them.

Tamil Nadu Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency of the State that has more than a century old history.  In some ways, the engagement by Pedda Naik to guard the town of Madrasapatnam way back in 1659 was perhaps a precursor.  Close on the heels of Indian Independence struggle, Madras Dist Police marked the beginning of Modern day Madras Police.  With the implementation  opf  Madras District Police Act XXIV in 1859,  new recruits were inducted in the police force.

National Police Commemoration Day is observed every year on October 21 remembering the brave policemen who sacrificed their lives while discharging their duties. Rich tributes are paid to the martyrs on this day.   On this date in 1959, a Central Reserve Police Force patrol at the Indo-Tibetan border in Ladakh was ambushed by Chinese forces as part of the ongoing Sino-Indian border dispute.  Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modiji  inaugurated India's first national police museum in Delhi on the occasion of police commemoration day.

On this day, every year, Nation pays homage to the policemen martyred in firing by Chinese troops in 1959 and more than 34000  others who laid down their lives protecting India's unity. Observed as 'Police Commemoration Day', October 21 commemorates the sacrifices of the 10 policemen while defending India's borders with China in 1959, a statement by the ministry said.  At Chennai, Police Officials and others pay homage at the martyr memorial inside the IG Office Complex on Beach road. 

It is the day to remember the heroes of the Nation who safeguard us and who sacrificed their lives for protecting our tomorrow.

In Chennai, the Police Department has announced some changes in traffic due to the observation of Guards Memorial Day in the section from Santhome to R. K. Salai on 19th and 21st October.  In an announcement released yesterday, it is mentioned:

‘The Police Memorial Day is observed in front of the Memorial located in front of the Tamil Nadu Police Department Headquarters at 8.00 AM on the 21st  of October. Rehearsals are to be carried out on this today (18th October) and tomorrow (19th). So, some traffic changes as under are being made for these 2 days. 

Next time, you see a friendly Police Cop, remember to salute him ~ for it is because of them, we live in peace.

Our former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was cruelly assassinated by a suicide bomber in Sriperumpudur on 21^st May 1991.  It was carried out a member of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.  Alongside Rajiv, many others too lost their lives and many more were maimed suffering physical injuries throughout their life.  Among those killed were these Policemen :  Mr Dharman,   a Special Branch head constable in Kancheepuram.  Mr Rajguru, Police Inspector, Pallavaram; Ms Chandra, constable; Mr Edward Joseph, Police Inspector

Remembering and saluting those unknown faces – Tamil Nadu Police and Police Organisation of India – Jai Hind .. Jai Jawan – Salute to Police

With regards – S. Sampathkumar

19^th Oct 2019.

Biblio : https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/rajiv-gandhi-assassination-other-people-killed-2813120/