Puducherry, Aug 9 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday presented the prestigious President’s Colour to the Puducherry Police, marking a major recognition for the union territory’s uniformed force for its service, discipline and professional achievements.
HM Shah formally handed over the President’s Colour to the Ensign Officer of the Puducherry Police at a ceremonial event held at the Puducherry Armed Police Ground at Gorimedu.
Director General of Police Shalini Singh accompanied the Home Minister during the presentation.
Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, senior police officers, government officials and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
President Droupadi Murmu had on May 8 approved the conferment of the President’s Colour, also known as Nishaan, on the Puducherry Police in recognition of its exceptional service, discipline and distinguished achievements.
The President’s Colour is regarded as the highest honour that can be bestowed on a military unit or a police force in a state or union territory.
The distinction recognises an organisation’s record of service and contribution over the years. Several branches of the armed and security forces, including the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, as well as police forces of various states, have previously received the honour.
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place across Puducherry for HM Shah’s visit and the presentation ceremony. More than 1,000 personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force and Puducherry Police were deployed at key locations, while vehicle inspections were intensified at entry points to the Union Territory and within the city.
Traffic restrictions and diversions were imposed along the Home Minister’s travel route, particularly on stretches connecting the Gorimedu area, Raj Nivas and Puducherry airport.
Authorities also prohibited the operation of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and other flying devices as part of the security measures.
HM Shah arrived in Puducherry on Saturday night after completing engagements in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
He was received by Governor Kailashnathan, CM Rangasamy and senior government representatives.
Earlier on Saturday, HM Shah flew from Maharashtra to Chennai before travelling by helicopter to Tiruvannamalai. He reached the temple town at around 5.20 p.m. after leaving Chennai at approximately 4.15 p.m. During his Tiruvannamalai visit, HM Shah offered prayers at the historic Arunachaleswarar Temple and also visited the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram before proceeding to Puducherry for Sunday’s official programme.
--IANS
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