Shri Manoj Yadava, Director General, Railway Protection Force along with 28-member member delegation paid homage to police martyrs at Hot spring Memorial in Ladakh on 3rd September 2024.This visit was in a show of solidarity, Gallant officers and men of ITBP, ITBF and Indian Army who are keeping a hawk like vigil at the LAC amidst highly challenging conditions.

Shri yadava led a 28-member delegation of Police officers representing various State Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), along with Shri. N. Prakash Reddy, DIG, Telangana Police was the Deputy Leader of the group. Shri. Raja Banthia DCP/EOW represented Delhi Police as a member of the Police delegation.

The memorial has been a sacred site for the Indian Police Forces, where tributes are paid annually in memory of sacrifice of the ten CRPF officers/personnels,who laid down their lives while defending the nation on October 21, 1959.The ceremony, which began as a gesture of remembrance in 1960, continues to be a highly revered tradition for Police officers across the country, serving and retired.This site  is located in rugged and inhospitable terrain near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh at an altitude of 15,400 feet above sea level.

The Police Delegation had the honor of meeting Mr. Sonam Dorjey, an 86-year-old veteran and a living legend and member of the patrolling party who bravely stood against Chinese troops during the fateful October 21, 1959, where he was captured. His resilience and courage remain an inspiring chapter of history.

This year’s pilgrimage marked a significant milestone as Shri Manoj Yadava became the first DG of the Railway Protection Force to lead the delegation. His participation along with a team of Police officers from diverse Forces, reinforces the unity, strength and camaraderie shared among the various Police Forces in India.

While dedicating this pilgrimage to the 1011 brave personnel of Railway Protection Force who have laid down their lives in line of duty since the Force's inception in 1958, DG RPF reiterated the commitment of RPF to the spirit of duty, valor and sacrifice exemplified by the brave hearts of 1959, whose memories will forever be enshrined in the annals of Police history.

Shri Manoj Yadava's visit and his participation in this solemn event serve as a source of inspiration for all members of the law enforcement community. It is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Police officers in the service of the nation and reinforces the enduring spirit of duty, valor and commitment that defines the Indian Police fraternity.

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