The sacrifices of policemen in the line of duty were marked with solemnity at the Police Commemoration Day held here on Tuesday.
A floral tribute was paid by district police officials for nearly 659 policemen who lost their lives over the past year, and the police flag was lowered as a silent prayer was held at the City Reserve Police grounds.
The day marks the ambush by Chinese forces of a police team patrolling in Ladakh in 1959. Though armed only with rifles, ten policemen were killed and nine captured by the Chinese troops; since then, the day marks the sacrifices of the men in khakhi, said Mangalore City Commissioner R. Hitendra.
Calling it a moral duty to honour policemen, who often maintain law and order with little regard for their personal safety, Uma M.G, District and Sessions Judge, said, “Not only must we salute policemen for their work, we must also ensure they get monetary support and other benefits even after their retirement.”