Poonam Sharma
India marked the Police Commemoration Day on October 21, a day to pay tribute to the nation’s police force sacrifices. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in his address at the event organized in Delhi, underlined the important role the police and the army have in maintaining the country’s security. The ceremony was a moment of commemoration for police officers who have died while serving in the line of duty, as well as a re-affirmation of the indomitable spirit of unity between India’s military and law enforcement forces.
Rajnath Singh, while speaking, said that the “unity between police and army is the very foundation of the nation’s security.” He also added that whereas the army keeps the country safe from outside threats, the police equally contribute to maintaining the internal security and social harmony within the country. They believe that the work of these two institutions is complementary, and only their coordination can guarantee the peace and stability India has today.
A Day to Honour the Martyrs
Police Commemoration Day is celebrated annually to honor the courageous police personnel who have sacrificed their lives in serving the country. The event is a chance to honor the martyrs, and this time around was no exception. Rajnath Singh offered his respects to the police personnel who offered their last service. The minister also expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of the martyrs, realizing the great loss they have endured for the sake of the nation.
The ceremony was graced with top officials from different security organizations, such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Border Security Force, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Indian Police Service (IPS). In addition to offering tributes, they also reminisced about the problems that law enforcement officers encounter on a day-to-day basis and the significance of their services in upholding law and order in the nation.
Strengthening the Police Force
While addressing the nation, Rajnath Singh reiterated the government’s endeavors to enhancing the police force through modernisation and capacity development continuously. He discussed the establishment of improved infrastructure in the police, purchasing advanced weapons, technology, and vehicles, which have enhanced the efficiency of the law enforcement agency throughout the nation.
The Defence Minister also commended the police for their role in addressing many issues that undermine national security, such as terrorism, communal disturbances, and insurgencies. He noted the increasing sophistication of security challenges and reasserted the government’s resolve to providing the police with the equipment they need to counter these challenges effectively.
Police and Army: Complementary Forces
One of the most important points made by Rajnath Singh was the complementary role that the police and the armed forces play in ensuring the security of the country. He said that whereas the army guards the borders and protects the country from the outside, the police have the responsibility of protecting the internal peace of the nation. He pointed out that both the agencies tend to work together many times, particularly in cases such as natural disasters, terrorism, and domestic disturbances.
“Be it a terror attack or a natural disaster, the police and the army move hand in hand, securing our citizens,” he added. He also emphasized that it is only the collective efforts of the police, army, and other security agencies that are the cornerstone of India’s national security strategy.
In recent years, the police and the army have cooperated on a range of security matters, from counter-insurgency efforts in Jammu and Kashmir to anti-terrorist activities elsewhere. The Defence Minister added that such close collaboration has led to a stronger coordinated and efficient response to national security challenges.
Technology and Modernisation
Rajnath Singh also emphasized the need to modernize the police force with the implementation of advanced technology. With improved surveillance, data analysis, and digital policing, the police are in a better position to handle the sophisticated threats that have come to the fore in recent times.
The minister emphasized that the police must keep implementing and embracing new technologies to be a step ahead of criminals and other dangers. The government has been actively engaged in modernizing the police force’s tech capabilities, such as creating integrated control rooms, real-time data exchange with the military and intelligence authorities, and the use of AI and machine learning technologies for crime detection and prevention.
A United Front for National Security
Rajnath Singh ended his speech by reiterating the significance of coherence between the army and the police. He recognized the gigantic problems that the nation is facing, from outside attacks to internal agitation, but he assured the nation that the force of these two institutions together is unstoppable. Their coherence, he reminded them, is critical to securing the safety and security of India’s citizens.
The Police Commemoration Day was not just a day of remembrance of those that lost their lives while on duty but also a reminder of the crucial roles played by both the police and the army in the security of the country. The message from Rajnath Singh was unambiguous: national security is constructed upon cooperation, commitment, and sacrifice, and the police and armed forces’ unity is the pillar of a secure and harmonious India.
With the nation continuing to face new security threats, this synergy will be the pillar of its strength, ensuring that the nation remains secure against every type of threat, both external and internal.
