Kohima: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Nagaland, Y. Patton on Thursday paid his respects to those police personnel who succumbed to Covid. Patton said, “We salute their valour and dedication and words can never describe their bravery, services, the spirit of sacrifices as they continue to inspire us all.”
Paying homage to the supreme sacrifices made by the Policemen and women at New Police Reserve at Phesama in Kohima on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day Parade today Patton acknowledged all the brave and courageous police personnel, who had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty putting service above themselves and stressed that police plays the most important role in safeguarding the basic rights of the citizen, the right to protection of life and personal liberty, which forms the basis of a welfare State. It is the strongest executive arm on which a democratic Government relies in delivering services to its people.
Patton stated that ever since the global pandemic exploded, the 14 Nagaland Police personnel along with medical health workers have been at the forefront of the Government’s effort to control the spread of COVID-19. Nagaland police stepped beyond the conventional “Law and Order” approach and took on a new role as public health messengers and service providers despite immense stress and strain. Patton lauded the Nagaland Police for coming out of their comfort zone of traditional policing and performing citizen-centric policing, which is the need of our modern times. He expressed that the Government has always been acknowledging the services provided by the force and has always stood by it and it has been the prerogative of this Government to ensure that the privileges and welfare of the policemen and women of the State are taken care of, therefore the Government has declared Ex-Gratia of Rs 10 Lakh each for every Policemen and policewoman who lost their lives due to COVID-19 while on active duty during the pandemic. He said ‘we also take pride in the dedication shown in the supreme sacrifice made by them.’ Patton called upon all the Policemen and women to emulate the ideals of the fallen heroes to ensure the prevalence of peace, tranquillity and progress in our society and also urge all personnel of Nagaland Police to continue upholding its Motto ‘Security, Service and Sacrifice.’ Later Patton handed over the ex- gratia to the next kin of the COVID martyrs.
Nagaland Director General of Police T. John Longkumer in his short address briefed on the significance of Police Commemoration day and the historical event dating back to 1959 when ten policemen were martyred by the Chinese troops in Ladakh, hence in remembering and honouring the brave policemen for their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, 21st October was marked and observed every year. Longkumer also read out the roll of honour and honoured the fourteen COVID Martyrs of Nagaland.
