Gangtok: In a historic moment for the State, Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday conferred the prestigious President’s Police Colour, also known as the Rashtriya Nishan, upon the Sikkim Police during a grand ceremonial parade at Paljor Stadium.
With the honour, Sikkim became the 15th State in the country and the third State in the Northeast to receive the President’s Police Colour, considered the highest recognition bestowed upon a police force in India.
The ceremonial Alankaran Parade was attended by Om Prakash Mathur, Prem Singh Golay, cabinet ministers and other dignitaries. President Murmu reviewed the parade alongside Director General of Police Akshay Sachdeva before presenting the insignia to the force.
Addressing the gathering, the President congratulated all officers and personnel of Sikkim Police and praised the parade contingent for their performance.
“Sikkim Police, established in 1897 to secure the Indo-Tibet trade route, has consistently worked towards ensuring peace, security and justice in the State. Apart from maintaining law and order, the force has also played an important role in disaster relief and public service during adverse situations,” she said.
Highlighting the evolving role of policing in modern India, President Murmu observed that the country’s policing system had long been influenced by colonial practices focused on control rather than public service. She stressed the need to move away from such a mindset in order to build a developed India.
The President also underlined the importance of transparency, accountability and sensitivity towards women and children in policing.
“By understanding people’s problems and helping resolve them, police can strengthen social harmony, peace and respect for law,” she said.
Praising the people-friendly approach of Sikkim Police, the President said the force had earned the respect and affection of citizens through its professional conduct. She added that with a large number of foreign tourists visiting Sikkim every year, the responsibilities of the police force become even greater.
She also drew attention to the growing threat of cybercrime and online fraud, urging police personnel to strengthen their expertise in technology, cybersecurity and digital investigation. According to her, cooperation among police forces across States and greater public awareness would be crucial in tackling cybercrime.
Expressing confidence in the force, President Murmu said Sikkim Police would continue to uphold the dignity and honour associated with the President’s Colours with dedication and patriotism.
Speaking to reporters, Inspector General of Police Hem Raj Rai described the occasion as a “historic and emotional moment” for the force, particularly because the honour was presented personally by the President.
“The award is not given frequently and remains a once-in-a-lifetime recognition for any police organisation,” he said.
Tracing the history of the force, Rai said Sikkim Police began as a small outpost at Rhenock in 1897 with only a handful of constables and has since grown into a force of nearly 7,000 personnel.
Superintendent of Police Tseten Paljor Bhutia said the recognition reflected the dedication, discipline, professionalism and selfless service rendered by Sikkim Police in maintaining peace, harmony and security in the State.
“The President’s Police Colour is the highest honour bestowed upon a police force in the country. This is truly a historic and auspicious day for Sikkim,” he said.
Meanwhile, constable Bandana Rai, who participated in the parade, described the ceremony as a proud and unforgettable moment for all personnel involved.
“We had only read about such ceremonies earlier, but this was the first time the President’s Colours came to Sikkim. We practised continuously for 19 days for the parade, and it felt truly honourable to represent our team on such a prestigious occasion,” she said.
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