A Pilgrimage of Pride and Respect: DG RPF Leads Tribute to Police Martyrs at Hot Springs, Ladakh
Raipur
In a heartfelt tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of India’s police martyrs, a 28-member delegation comprising officers from various State Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), led by Manoj Yadava, Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), assembled at the Hot Springs Memorial in Ladakh on the morning of September 3, 2024. This solemn gathering was aimed at honoring the martyrs who laid down their lives in service to the nation. N. Prakash Reddy, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Telangana Police, served as the Deputy Leader of the delegation, while Deepak Kumar Sharma, Railway Inspector (RI), represented the Chhattisgarh Police.
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, the delegation was joined by the gallant officers and personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Indian Army, who remain stationed at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), protecting the nation under some of the most challenging conditions. Together, they paid homage to the martyrs, reflecting the unity and shared purpose of India’s security forces in safeguarding the nation.
A poignant moment of the visit was the delegation’s meeting with 86-year-old Sonam Dorjey, a revered veteran and member of the patrol party that heroically resisted Chinese troops on October 21, 1959. Despite being captured during that fateful confrontation, Dorjey’s resilience and bravery continue to inspire generations. His presence at the memorial added a deeply personal connection to the historical significance of the site.
Situated at an altitude of 15,400 feet, the Hot Springs Memorial stands as a beacon of honor and remembrance for the ten CRPF personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice while defending India on October 21, 1959. This remote, rugged terrain in Eastern Ladakh has served as a sacred site of annual homage since 1960, where officers, both serving and retired, gather to honor the fallen heroes who exemplified courage and selflessness in the face of adversity.
This year’s pilgrimage held particular significance, as it marked the first time that an RPF Director General led the tribute. Yadava’s leadership of the delegation underscored the unity, strength, and camaraderie that exists across India’s law enforcement agencies. Speaking at the event, Yadava dedicated the pilgrimage to the 1,011 brave personnel of the RPF who have lost their lives in the line of duty since the force’s inception in 1958. He reaffirmed RPF’s unwavering commitment to the values of duty, valor, and sacrifice, which have been embodied by India’s police forces for decades.
Yadava’s participation in this solemn event served as a powerful symbol of inspiration and motivation for law enforcement personnel across the country. The tribute at Hot Springs was not only a reminder of the sacrifices made by police officers in the service of the nation but also a testament to the enduring spirit of duty, courage, and loyalty that binds India’s police forces together in their shared mission to protect and serve.
This annual pilgrimage continues to be a deeply revered tradition, fostering a sense of pride and respect among India’s law enforcement community while keeping alive the memory of the brave souls who sacrificed everything for the nation’s security.
