Kathmandu— Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the Puducherry Police on Sunday for being awarded the prestigious President's Police Colour, a distinction he said honors the force's hard work, valour, and service. During a ceremony in Puducherry, Shah emphasized that the honor was earned through the commitment of the personnel rather than through mere official decree, marking a significant milestone in the history of the disciplined force.

Recognition of Service and Valour

Addressing the force, Shah noted that while the Puducherry Police consists of fewer than 5,000 personnel, the unit plays a vital role in safeguarding the region's internal security and upholding its spiritual heritage. He remarked that the President's Colour represents the proudest moment in the history of any disciplined force.

Shah stated that the honor was not bestowed merely through an official order or a file, but was earned through the force's hard work, valour, service, and dedication. He added that the bravery and spirit of service displayed by the police would be recorded as a "golden chapter" in the history of the Puducherry Police.

Pandemic Response and Cultural Identity

The Home Minister recalled the specific contributions of the force during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the police stood on the front lines to serve vulnerable populations, including children, women, and senior citizens. He mentioned that he had regularly reviewed the situation in Union Territories from the Ministry of Home Affairs during that unprecedented global challenge.

Shah also touched upon the unique history of the region, noting that despite being under French administration for 30 years, Puducherry has successfully preserved its Indianness and spiritual energy, serving as a vibrant symbol of South India's cultural consciousness.

Modernization of Criminal Laws

The ceremony also provided a platform for Shah to discuss broader national legal reforms. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has replaced British-era criminal laws with three new Indian laws designed to ensure justice for citizens.

According to Shah, these new legal frameworks are built upon three core pillars: technology, timeline, and trust. He emphasized that the approach of these new laws is centered on ensuring justice rather than focusing solely on punishment.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.