Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh Police will observe annual Police Commemoration Day on October 21 to honour officers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. The 10-day tribute, running from October 21 to 31, coincides with National Unity Day and commemorates the sacrifice of ten CRPF jawans who died defending India’s borders at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959.DGP Harish Kumar Gupta announced that the state-level parade will be held at APSP 6th Battalion, Mangalagiri, at 7:30 AM on October 21. A two-minute silence will be observed to honour martyrs from both State and Central Police Forces.Throughout the 10-day period, events will be held across districts, commissionerates, battalions, and training centres. Open House exhibitions in Vijayawada and district headquarters will showcase photographs, rescue operations, and stories of police humanitarian service.Police officers will visit the homes, communities, and schools of martyrs to share their stories and honour their courage. Essay and elocution contests, medical camps, marathons, and cultural programmes will highlight the department’s community outreach.The DGP also outlined welfare initiatives for police families. Between October 2024 and September 2025, ₹8.25 crore was spent on health checkups for 72,000 personnel, ₹4.67 crore on scholarships for 2,266 students, and ₹3.66 crore as funeral assistance to 366 families. Free insurance coverage up to ₹45 lakh was reinstated, and ₹37 lakh was paid as ex-gratia to families of personnel who died on duty.Flag Day campaign funds will support education for children of fallen officers and hostel maintenance in Nellore and Guntur. The department also plans to build recreation centres named “Vihara” and “Vihari” for police personnel, with a ₹10 crore investment.
