MALIGAON, SEPTEMBER 7 (MExN): On the morning of September 3, 2024, a significant pilgrimage was led by Manoj Yadava, Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), to the Hot Springs Memorial in Ladakh.
The 28-member delegation comprised police officers from various State Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including N. Prakash Reddy, DIG of Telangana Police, who served as the Deputy Leader of the group.
Aparna Natarajan, SP of Assam Police, was among the delegation members who paid their respects at the memorial. The pilgrimage was marked by the presence of gallant officers and men from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), ITBF, and the Indian Army, who are stationed at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and continue to uphold vigilance in challenging conditions.
The delegation met Sonam Dorjey, an 86-year-old veteran who was a member of the patrolling party during the confrontation with Chinese troops on October 21, 1959. Dorjey's bravery and resilience remain a poignant chapter in Indian history.
Situated at an altitude of 15,400 feet above sea level in the rugged terrain of Eastern Ladakh, the Hot Springs Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of ten CRPF personnel who died defending the nation on October 21, 1959.
This year's pilgrimage was notable as Manoj Yadava became the first DG of the Railway Protection Force to lead the delegation. The pilgrimage also served as a tribute to the 1,011 brave personnel of the Railway Protection Force who have laid down their lives in the line of duty since the Force's inception in 1958.
