Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 21 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday honored eight braveheart police personnel, highlighting their critical role in society. He emphasized that society must remember their sacrifices, as police maintain law and order, control riots, and protect citizens' rights, all of which are essential for the state's development.

Addressing the Police Commemoration Day programme at City Armed Reserve Grounds on Bengaluru-Mysuru Road CM Siddaramaiah paid tribute to the police personnel, saying, 'May their souls rest in peace. The government stands with their families.'

'Eight police personnel from Karnataka have become martyrs, and their family members are present here. Some have sacrificed their lives while performing their duties. Across the country, 191 police personnel have been martyred -- may their souls rest in peace. I pray that their families are given the strength to bear the pain of their loss. It is the duty of society to remember them. It is the duty of the police to maintain law and order in the state. Police are the ones who control riots and protect the rights granted to the people. The development of the state depends on the law and order maintained by the police department. Police also play a vital role in attracting investment to the state. Along with those who have sacrificed their lives, many have been injured -- the government stands with all of them,' CM Siddaramaiah said.

Police Commemoration Day (October 21) is observed across the country to pay homage to police bravehearts. The main function is organised at National Police Memorial, New Delhi.

On October 21, 1959, ten valiant Policemen laid down their lives in an ambush laid by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh. Since then, October 21 is observed as Police Commemoration Day every year. In recognition of the sacrifices made by Police personnel and their paramount role in preserving national security and integrity, the Prime Minister dedicated National Police Memorial (NPM), Chanakyapuri, New Delhi to the nation on Police Commemoration Day 2018.

The Memorial gives Police Forces a sense of national identity, pride, unity of purpose, common history and destiny, besides reinforcing their commitment to protect the nation even at the cost of their lives. The Memorial comprises a Central Sculpture, the 'Wall of Valour' and a Museum. The Central Sculpture, which is a 30-foot-high granite monolith cenotaph, stands for strength, resilience and selfless service of Police personnel.

The museum is conceptualised as a historical and evolving exhibition on policing in India. The Memorial is a site of pilgrimage, a place of reverence for Police personnel and citizens alike.

As a part of the remembrances, CAPFs/CPOs organise various Commemorative Events at National Police Memorial from October 22 to 30, which include visits of family members of bravehearts, Police Band Display, motorcycle rallies, run for fallen policemen, blood donation camps, essay/painting competitions for children and display of video films showcasing sacrifice, valour and services of Police personnel. Similar programmes are organised by all the Police Forces across the country during this period. (ANI)