Police Commemoration Day in India Date in the current year: October 21, 2024

On October 21, 1959, a group of Indian policemen led by Shri Karam Singh was attacked by the Chinese Army at Hot Springs in North Eastern Ladakh, while searching for a missing reconnaissance party. Ten policemen were killed, seven were taken prisoners, and the rest managed to escaped. The Chinese returned the bodies only three weeks later.

In January 1960, October 21 was officially designated as Police Commemoration Day. This remembrance day was established to commemorate the policemen killed in Ladakh and all police personnel killed in the line of duty. It was also decided to erect a memorial in Ladakh.

Since 2012, Police Commemoration Day has been celebrated nationwide. The main parade and wreath-laying ceremony are held at the Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. All Indian police units hold commemoration parades to pay tribute to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for service to the society and security of the nation.