Gangtok, May 28 (IPR): The prestigious Presentation of President’s Police Colour to the Sikkim Police was conducted with full ceremonial grandeur at Paljor Stadium today in the presence of the President of India, Ms Droupadi Murmu along with Governor of Sikkim Mr Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr Prem Singh Tamang, and Madam Krishna Kumari Rai, Chief Secretary Mr R Telang and Director General of Police Mr Akshay Sachdeva.
The solemn ceremony commenced with the arrival of the Hon’ble President, who was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour and National Salute by contingents of the Sikkim Police.
Addressing the gathering, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, expressed immense pleasure in presenting the President’s Police Colour to the Sikkim Police in recognition of its exceptional and distinguished service to the nation. She described the honour as a matter of immense pride for the entire force and congratulated all past and present officers and personnel associated with the Sikkim Police for the landmark achievement.
The President also commended the parade contingents for their disciplined and impressive performance during the ceremonial event.
Highlighting the rich legacy of the force, the President stated that the Sikkim Police, established in 1897 has continued to play a crucial role in maintaining peace, security, and justice in the State. She noted that besides maintaining law and order, the force has rendered exemplary service during natural disasters and difficult situations, extending timely relief and assistance to the people.
The President further acknowledged the achievements of Sikkim Police personnel at both national and international levels, mentioning that several officers serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions have been honoured with the UN Peacekeeping Medal for their contributions.
Speaking on the evolving role of policing in a democratic society, the President observed that India’s policing system had historically carried the influence of colonial administration, where the focus was largely on control rather than public service, has now seen significant change.
She stressed that in modern India, the police must emerge as collaborators and guides for citizens, fostering trust, transparency, and accountability within society.
The President emphasised the need to make the policing system more citizen friendly so that people can approach the police without fear. She also underlined the importance of sensitivity towards women, children, and vulnerable sections of society.
Stating that the purpose of policing extends beyond merely apprehending criminals, the President said that the police play an equally important role in building a safe, aware, and harmonious society. She lauded the Sikkim Police for maintaining peace and communal harmony in the State through its professional and people friendly approach, which has earned the affection and respect of the people of Sikkim.
Referring to the strategic importance of Sikkim, which shares international borders with three countries and receives a large number of domestic and foreign tourists, the President remarked that the responsibilities of the Sikkim Police are both sensitive and significant. She noted that the force has to work in close coordination with national security agencies while also ensuring the safety and assistance of tourists visiting the State.
The President further spoke about emerging challenges posed by modern technology, including cybercrime, online fraud, hacking, and deepfakes. She stressed the importance of equipping police personnel with the latest technological skills, cybersecurity awareness, and digital investigation capabilities to effectively tackle such crimes.
She also highlighted the need for greater cooperation among police and investigative agencies across states and emphasised the importance of public awareness in preventing cyber related offences. In this regard, she appreciated the continuous efforts being undertaken by the Sikkim Police.
Expressing confidence in the force, the President stated that the Sikkim Police would continue to uphold the honour and dignity associated with the President’s Police Colour and discharge its duties with the spirit of “Nation First.”
Concluding her address, the President once again congratulated the Sikkim Police and extended her best wishes to the force.
The Alankaran parade and presentation of the President’s Police Colour formed the highlight of the programme, during which the President of India formally conferred the prestigious honour upon the Sikkim Police in recognition of its meritorious and distinguished service to the nation. With the conferment, the Sikkim Police became the fifteenth state police force in the country and the third in the Northeast region to receive the honour.
The Alankaran Parade was led by
Parade Commander, Sr SP, Dr Tshering Namgyal Gyatso
Parade 2 IC, ASP, Mr Santosh Baniya
Ensign Officer, DySP, Mr Chewang Dorjee Bhutia
Adjutant, PI, Mr Rajiv Mukhia.
The Sikkim Armed Police Platoon was headed by Platoon Commander, ASI, Mr Top Tshering Bhutia and SI, Mr Dorjee Bhutia.
The 2nd IRBn Platoon was headed by Platoon Commander, ASI, Mr Gyaltsen Bhutia and ASI, Mr Paras Mani Pradhan.
The 3rd IRBn Platoon was headed by Platoon Commander, SI, Ms Karden Choden Bhutia and ASI, Mr Ram Chandra Subba.
The Sikkim Police Female Platoon was headed by Platoon Commander, SI, Ms, Norki Lachenpa.
The Sikkim Police Male Platoon was headed by Platoon Commander, ASI, Mr Hasta Bahadur.
The event was attended by Speaker SLA, Dy Speaker SLA, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Mayor GMC, Dy Mayor GMC, Chairpersons, Councillors(GMC), OSDs,Head of Departments, senior civil and police officials, representatives of the armed forces, SHG members and members of the public.
Following the successful ceremony, the Hon’ble President of India Ms Droupadi Murmu proceeded to Libing Helipad for her return journey, concluding her three day visit to Sikkim.
(Report from DIO-GANGTOK )
