Sikkim Police awarded prestigious 'President of India's Police Colour'
Gangtok, May 28
President Droupadi Murmu presented the 'President of India's Police Colour' to the Sikkim Police in Gangtok on Thursday.
The recognition awarded to Sikkim Police is a result of its substantial role in upholding peace and harmony within the state, characterised by their professional behaviour and the amicable attitude of police officers towards the public, which has garnered both affection and respect from the citizens.
President Murmu congratulated all officers and police personnel associated with the Sikkim Police in the past and present for this honour and said she was happy to note that the force, since its establishment in 1897, has worked to ensure peace, security, and justice in Sikkim.
The President said that India's policing system has the imprint of a prolonged period of colonial rule. And, during the era of colonial subjugation, their primary objective was not to serve the public but to control them and strictly enforce the dictates of the ruling regime.
She also emphasised that this colonial mindset had taken root within the police system, and because of this, the attitude within the police was one of ruling over the public, rather than cooperating.
Speaking further, she welcomed the changing mindset in the policing system and stressed that it was essential to completely shed this colonial outlook to empower the citizens of the nation.
"Only then will the citizens be able to contribute wholeheartedly to the achievement of the goal of Viksit Bharat," she stated.
The President also underlined that transparency and accountability are absolutely indispensable within the policing system and stated that the police apparatus must be made more citizen-friendly so that ordinary people can register their grievances without fear.
"Priority must also be accorded to adopting a sensitive approach towards women, children, and vulnerable sections of society," she remarked.
Further offering advice to police personnel, she said they must evolve as "partners and guides" for citizens, and only then will trust between the public and the police be strengthened.
She emphasised that the objective of the policing system should not be confined merely to apprehending criminals, but should extend to building a secure and socially conscious society.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, the President is speaking the truth that many of us have felt for years. The colonial mindset in policing is real. In many states, you still see that "ruling over public" attitude. Sikkim shows what happens when police work as partners, not masters. Viksit Bharat needs this change everywhere.
As someone living abroad, I appreciate how the police in Sikkim maintain peace without heavy-handedness. This is the kind of policing India needs—community-based, transparent, and accountable. Congratulations to all officers past and present! 🇮🇳
I really hope the message about treating women and children with sensitivity reaches every police station in India. We still hear too many horror stories. Sikkim proving it's possible to do policing with a human touch. Kudos to the force! 👏
President Murmu's emphasis on transparency and accountability is spot on. The problem is not just about colonial mindset, but also about corruption in lower ranks. Sikkim may be small but it's a shining example. Ab to baaki states ko bhi dekhna chahiye! 💯
Impressive to see a police force recognized for its amicable attitude. Usually we only hear about controversies. The President's point about evolving as guides and partners for citizens is powerful. This is how you build trust in institutions.
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