Run for Martyrs: Delhi Police honours fallen personnel on Commemoration Day
Synopsis
Delhi Police marked Police Commemoration Day with a 'Run for Martyrs' from Nehru Park to the National Police Memorial — part of a nine-day tribute running until 30 October that honours the 10 policemen killed in Ladakh's Hot Springs ambush on 21 October 1959, the founding moment of this annual tradition.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police held a 'Run for Martyrs' on 24 October from Nehru Park to the National Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri .
The run is part of All India Police Commemoration Day events, observed on 21 October every year since 1959 .
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid homage at the memorial on 21 October and flagged off a motorcycle rally with approximately 90 police riders from States/UTs and central forces.
Commemorative events at the National Police Memorial continue from 22 to 30 October , including family visits, blood donation camps, and children's competitions.
The day traces its origin to 21 October 1959 , when 10 Indian policemen were killed in a Chinese ambush at Hot Springs, Ladakh .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the National Police Memorial to the nation on Police Commemoration Day 2018 .
Delhi Police on Saturday, 24 October organised a 'Run for Martyrs' from Nehru Park to the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, as a tribute to police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The run was held as part of a wider series of commemorative events marking All India Police Commemoration Day, observed annually on 21 October.
Background: Why October 21 Is Police Commemoration Day
On 21 October 1959, 10 Indian policemen were killed in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh — one of the earliest armed encounters on India's northern frontier. The date has since been observed as Police Commemoration Day every year to honour the sacrifice of police personnel across the country.
Home Minister Pays Homage, Flags Off Motorcycle Rally
On 21 October, Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid homage to police martyrs at the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri. He also flagged off a motorcycle rally from the capital. CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh briefed Shah about the rally, which involves approximately 90 police riders representing States and Union Territories — including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi — as well as Central Armed Police Forces such as the CRPF, CISF, BSF, SSB, ITBP, and NSG, and Central Police Organisations including the RPF, NDRF, and NIA.
Week-Long Events at the National Police Memorial
According to an official statement, Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations are conducting a range of commemorative activities at the National Police Memorial from 22 to 30 October. These include visits by family members of martyrs, a Police Band Display, motorcycle rallies, the 'Run for Martyrs', blood donation camps, essay and painting competitions for children, and screenings of video films showcasing the sacrifice, valour, and service of police personnel.
The National Police Memorial: A Nation's Tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the National Police Memorial at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi to the nation on Police Commemoration Day 2018, in recognition of the sacrifices made by police personnel and their role in preserving national security and integrity. The memorial stands as a permanent reminder of the men and women who serve and fall in the line of duty. Events through 30 October are expected to draw families of martyrs from across the country to the memorial.
Point of View
Involving families of martyrs and personnel from over a dozen forces, reflects the breadth of sacrifice across India's internal security apparatus. Mainstream coverage rarely connects the annual ritual to the ongoing strategic context in Ladakh, where the same terrain remains contested. That connection is worth making.
NationPress
24 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Run for Martyrs' organised by Delhi Police?
The 'Run for Martyrs' is a commemorative run organised by Delhi Police from Nehru Park to the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, to honour police personnel who died in the line of duty. It was held on 24 October 2026 as part of All India Police Commemoration Day observances.
Why is Police Commemoration Day observed on October 21?
Police Commemoration Day is observed on 21 October every year to mark the date in 1959 when 10 Indian policemen were killed in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh. The day honours police martyrs across the country.
What events are being held at the National Police Memorial in October 2026?
Central Armed Police Forces and Central Police Organisations are conducting events at the National Police Memorial from 22 to 30 October, including visits by families of martyrs, a Police Band Display, motorcycle rallies, the 'Run for Martyrs', blood donation camps, essay and painting competitions for children, and video screenings of police valour and sacrifice.
What did Home Minister Amit Shah do on Police Commemoration Day 2026?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid homage to police martyrs at the National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri on 21 October 2026 and flagged off a motorcycle rally involving approximately 90 riders from States, UTs, and central armed forces. CRPF Director General Gyanendra Pratap Singh briefed him about the rally.
When was the National Police Memorial dedicated to the nation?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the National Police Memorial at Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, to the nation on Police Commemoration Day 2018, in recognition of the sacrifices of police personnel in preserving national security and integrity.
