The solemn ceremony of Police Martyrs' Commemoration Day was observed by the Mysore Police (District and City wings) by laying wreaths at the Police Martyrs' Memorial near SP Office Circle in city this morning.
Retired ADGP Kempaiah, who was the chief guest for the ceremony, was the first to offer floral tributes to the martyrs.
Speaking at the programme, Kempaiah said that this was not a condolence meeting, but a day to re-dedicate ourselves.
“Policemen risk their lives for the safety of citizens and one should pay homage to these martyrs with reverence,” he said and added that martyrs are those who die while serving the public and everyone should be with the families of those who had laid down their lives for us.
Kempaiah called upon the Police personnel to be committed in their work and be ready to face any situation that may arise.
He further said that the Government has provided many facilities to the Police force and a proposal has been made for a school in the lines of Sainik School for the children of Police personnel and a canteen facility for them. He added that the Government has assured to provide all necessary facilities to the Police force.
Kempaiah called upon everyone to remember all those who laid down their lives to protect us as it is only because of them we are able to live peacefully.
Earlier, City Police Commissioner Dr. M.A. Saleem welcomed the gathering and briefed about observing Police Martyrs Day.
Superintendent of Police Abhinav Khare read out the names of all the Police personnel who laid down their lives last year in the country while on duty.
Wreaths were laid at the Martyrs’ Memorial by Dr. Ramachandra Rao, IGP (Southern Range), Abhinav Khare, Superintendent of Police, Dr. M.A. Saleem, City Police Commissioner, A.S.N. Murthy, Director, Karnataka Police Academy, Ramadasegowda, Commandant, KSRP, Mysore, O.P. Tiwari, Air Commandant, K.M. Mahesh, In-charge Commandant, Home Guards, Retd. Police personnel Appanna and Iqbal Khan, C. Basavanna, Regional Fire Officer, other officers including the family members of Police personnel who had laid down their lives and representatives of the media.
After the laying of wreaths, the National Anthem was played and 3-Volley Salute was fired by a platoon of Policemen from their service rifles, in honour of those who made the supreme sacrifice.
The Police flag was lowered to half-mast and a minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect. The flag was raised again to full-mast.
The Police Band played hymns “Lead Kindly Light” and “Abide With Me” on the occasion.
Later, Kempaiah, along with other Police personnel, retired officers and public paid homage to late SP Harikrishna, who was killed by forest brigand Veerappan, by offering floral tributes to his bust near the SP’s office.
Retired ADGP Kempaiah, speaking to SOM, said that it is wonderful to be in Mysore, especially on this occasion and said that everyone should draw inspirations from those officers who laid down their lives to protect us.
Later, the family members of Police personnel who were killed by Veerappan presented a memorandum to Kempaiah urging him to help them as the present pension of Rs. 4000 given by the Government was not sufficient to eke out a living. They also sought his help in providing jobs to their children.
The retired ADGP also recognised all Policemen who were working with him and talked to them individually.
About Police Memorial
On Oct. 21, 1959, at the Aksai Chin region in Ladakh, Chinese guards killed nine Police personnel of the KSRP who were patrolling along the Indian border and took seven prisoners.
But the KSRP personnel, led by DySP Karan Singh, breathed their last only after shooting down 10 Chinese guards and injuring nine. Entire India was grief-stricken by the incident. Later, a Memorial was erected in their honour at the same spot, which is at 16,000 MSL.
Courtesy : Star Of Mysore
