Cuttack: Odisha’s Director General of Police YB Khurania on Monday honoured the families of the martyrs on the occasion of Police Commemoration Day in Cuttack.
Speaking at a special function, organised at the Police Headquarters in Cuttack, the DGP said the country would always remember the martyrs for their supreme sacrifice.
“Their legacy of courage and dedication to the nation will inspire us for ever. We stand united in gratitude and remembrance,” he said. Two-minute silence was observed by the state police personnel in honour of the martyrs on the occasion.
Total 216 personnel of Central and state police forces have laid down their lives while discharging their duty this year. Of them, Himashu Sekhar Rath from Kendrapada and Pradip Kumar Mallik from Cuttack found mention in the speech of the DGP. Their families participated in the function on special invitation from the Odisha Police.
The DGP said the police have a significant role to play in a democracy. “Besides protecting the life and properties of the citizens, they contribute towards maintaining law and order, fighting terrorism and Maoists and ensuring peace in the society,” he added.
Appreciating the efforts of the police in containing the Maoists in the state, Khurania said their responsibility has further gone up as Union Home Minister has announced to make the country free of Left wing extremists by March 31, 2026.