Patiala: Punjab Police remain committed to acting against drug traffickers and anti-social elements, DIG (Patiala Range) Kuldeep Singh Chahal said at a Police Commemoration Day ceremony here on Wednesday.Led by SSP Harmandeep Hans, Patiala district police paid tribute to police personnel who died while safeguarding the nation, maintaining law and order and protecting people’s lives and property. The ceremony was held at the Martyrs’ Memorial at Police Lines.Chahal said the campaign against drugs and anti-social elements was being conducted under the directions of chief minister Bhagwant Mann and the leadership of DGP Gaurav Yadav.Deputy commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal and Additional Sessions Judge Amrish Kumar were also present.Chahal said the martyrs’ sacrifices would continue to inspire the force. Police Commemoration Day marks the deaths of police personnel in an attack by Chinese troops in Ladakh’s Hot Springs area in 1959.He said 1,784 Punjab Police personnel had died while fighting anti-social elements during the period of terrorism and helping restore peace in the state. They included 157 personnel from Patiala Range and 66 officers and personnel from Patiala district.The SSP said district police stood with the martyrs’ families and would ensure they faced no difficulties. He also reiterated Patiala Police’s commitment to eliminating drugs and crime, maintaining peace and protecting citizens.A police contingent led by Parade Commander DSP Fateh Singh Brar presented a ceremonial salute after wreaths and floral tributes were offered. Participants also observed a two-minute silence. DSP Banur, Sukhdev Singh, read the names of police and paramilitary personnel killed across the country during the last year.Chahal, Aggarwal and Hans heard grievances from martyrs’ families and directed officers to resolve them promptly. They also inaugurated a blood donation camp and free eye and dental check-up camps, organised with support from the Youth Federation of India and Power House Youth Club.Civil Judge Ravinder Singh Rana, former IG Amar Singh Chahal, serving and retired police officers, Punjab Police Welfare Association representatives, police personnel and martyrs’ families also attended the event.
