CM Vishnu Deo Sai Pays Tribute on Police Smriti Diwas
Synopsis
On Police Smriti Diwas, Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai paid tribute to security personnel who gave their lives fighting Naxalism in the state, calling their courage and sacrifice eternally memorable.
Key Takeaways
Police Smriti Diwas is observed on 21 October every year to honour police and paramilitary personnel killed in the line of duty.
The observance dates to 1960 , marking the killing of ten CRPF personnel in Ladakh in 1959 .
CM Vishnu Deo Sai specifically saluted those who fought in Chhattisgarh's anti-Naxal campaigns, citing their courage, valour, and dedication.
Chhattisgarh's Bastar region has been a primary theatre of Left Wing Extremism for over two decades.
Sai framed the security forces' sacrifice as having paved the way for 'peace, security, and development' in formerly conflict-affected areas.
Every 21 October, India pauses to remember those who gave everything in uniform — and this year, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai added his state's particular weight to that silence. In a post on Police Smriti Diwas, Sai paid solemn tribute to the police and security personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, with a pointed salute to those who fought the long war against Naxalism in Chhattisgarh.
Sai wrote, 'कर्तव्य पथ पर सर्वोच्च बलिदान देने वाले वीर पुलिसकर्मियों को विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि' — 'a humble tribute to the brave police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice on the path of duty.' He specifically acknowledged that Chhattisgarh's police and security forces had demonstrated 'indomitable courage, valour, and dedication' in the struggle against Naxalism, paving the way for peace, security, and development.
A Day Rooted in a 1959 Ambush
Police Commemoration Day has been observed on 21 October every year since 1960, tracing its origin to a grim day in 1959 when ten CRPF personnel were killed in Ladakh. What began as a tribute to those ten martyrs grew into a national observance encompassing every police officer and paramilitary soldier killed in the line of duty since — a roster that has grown long over six decades.
Chhattisgarh's Two-Decade Naxal Conflict
Chhattisgarh, and particularly the Bastar region, has been the primary theatre of Left Wing Extremism in India for over two decades. State police and central paramilitary forces have conducted sustained anti-Naxal campaigns across forested districts, suffering significant casualties alongside inflicting strategic losses on Maoist cadres. The human cost to the security forces has been a defining feature of the state's recent history.
Successive governments have framed these operations as essential for extending state administration, infrastructure, and welfare schemes into areas that were once entirely under Naxal control. Chief Minister Sai's tribute underscores that framing — honouring the fallen while pointing to the peace and development space their sacrifice reportedly opened up.
Their sacrifice and dedication in protecting society, Sai wrote, 'will always be remembered.' Jai Hind.
Point of View
Sai reinforces the BJP-led state government's narrative of decisive action against Left Wing Extremism. The framing — sacrifice enabling development — is a consistent thread in how successive central and state governments have sought to legitimise the long security campaign in Bastar. It also signals continued political salience of the Naxal issue in the state ahead of any further security or welfare policy announcements.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Police Smriti Diwas and why is it observed on 21 October?
Police Smriti Diwas, or Police Commemoration Day, is observed on 21 October every year since 1960 to honour police and paramilitary personnel killed in the line of duty. The date marks the killing of ten CRPF personnel in Ladakh in 1959 .
What did CM Vishnu Deo Sai say on Police Smriti Diwas 2026?
CM Vishnu Deo Sai paid tribute to police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, and specifically honoured Chhattisgarh's security forces for their 'indomitable courage and valour' in the struggle against Naxalism.
How long has Chhattisgarh been affected by Naxalism?
Chhattisgarh , particularly the Bastar region, has been a primary theatre of Left Wing Extremism for over two decades, with state police and central paramilitary forces conducting sustained anti-Naxal operations throughout this period.
Who is Vishnu Deo Sai?
Vishnu Deo Sai is the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and a BJP leader heading the state government.
What is the significance of Police Commemoration Day for Chhattisgarh?
Chhattisgarh's security forces have suffered significant casualties over two decades of anti-Naxal operations, making Police Smriti Diwas particularly resonant in the state, where the conflict has claimed the lives of numerous police and paramilitary personnel.
