Modi chokes at police memorial event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday turned emotional while talking about the contributions and sacrifices made by the national and the state disaster response forces personnel during crisis situations in different parts of the country.

He was addressing an event organised here under the aegis of the Union Home Ministry to mark the National Police Commemoration Day and dedicate a newly-established National Police Memorial to the nation.

“It is also an occasion today for all of us to remember the jawans who participate in relief and rescue work at times of crisis situations arising out of natural calamities and other disasters. They do not get much attention,” Modi said, choking with emotions, pausing his speech for the moment.

He then continued, “I want to tell the nation that the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) or SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) personnel, the men in khaki from our police force, who save lives in such situations, working day and night. The country will never forget their dedication and service.”

Making a special mention of these personnel, the prime minister announced rolling out of a new decoration in the name of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose for the NDRF and SDRF personnel.

The new decoration will be announced every year on January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji, he added.

The prime minister also acknowledged the services of the policemen towards curbing terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and Left-wing extremism in various states.

He, however, called upon the policemen to have “empathy” for the people and “be sensitive” to them while listening to their problems.

“Offering a glass of cold water and saying two sweet words to a person who comes to you will further strengthen the police-public bond and help curb crime. You are the protectors of the poor, the abused and the marginalised,” he said.

Dedicating the National Police Memorial, Modi criticised the “past governments” for not showing any interest to the establishment of the memorial, saying they let the "files gather dust.”

“Perhaps, god has chosen me to do all the good work,” he said.