Guwahati: Five senior IPS officers of the Assam Police were presented with the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service during the 75th Assam Police Day celebrations at the 1st Assam Commando Battalion in Mandakata on October 1.
Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya presented the medals and paid tribute to police personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. He also highlighted the force’s role in dealing with security challenges, natural calamities and other law-and-order situations.
Five Senior Officers Receive President’s Medal
The awardees are:
- Surendra Kumar, a 1998-batch IPS officer, Additional Director General of Police, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption, and Director of Fire and Emergency Services, Assam
- Partha Sarathi Mahanta, a 2007-batch IPS officer, Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, Inspector General of Police, Traffic and Road Safety, and Chief of the Special Task Force
- Kankan Jyoti Saikia, a 2008-batch IPS officer, Inspector General of Police, East Range, Jorhat
- Indrani Baruah, a 2008-batch IPS officer, Inspector General of Police, CWR, Assam
- Ratna Singha, a 2009-batch IPS officer, Inspector General of Police, Special Branch, Assam
The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service is a service medal awarded for a special distinguished record in service. The Ministry of Home Affairs included Assam Police personnel among the recipients of the 2026 police service medals.
Governor Calls for People-Centric Policing
Addressing the Assam Police Day gathering, Governor Acharya said public trust should remain central to policing and urged personnel to ensure that citizens approaching the police feel assured that their concerns will be heard.
“The strength of the police is the trust of the people. When a person approaches the police, it should not be with fear but with the assurance that they will be heard.”
He also stressed the need to ensure safety for women and support for vulnerable sections of society, linking these priorities to the Assam Police’s stated commitment to public service.
Acharya referred to the SMART policing approach and highlighted the growing importance of data analytics, cyber forensics, digital evidence, CCTV systems, drones, command-and-control systems and modern communication technologies.
Governor Flags Drug Abuse as Major Challenge
The Governor also called for stronger action against drug abuse, particularly its impact on young people and families. He appreciated the Assam Police’s action against narcotics and urged the force to intensify efforts towards a drug-free Assam.
He also referred to his Nasha Mukt Bharat Sankalp Padyatra and called for greater participation by police personnel in the wider anti-drug campaign.
Focus on Technology, Discipline and Integrity
Acharya said modernisation should be accompanied by discipline, sensitivity and integrity. He urged police personnel to combine technological capabilities with professional and people-oriented policing.
“Make your courage your strength, make sensitivity your identity, make technology your capability, make discipline your foundation, make integrity your reputation, and make public service your highest responsibility.”
He also referred to the foundation stone laid earlier this year for the proposed headquarters of the 10th Battalion of Assam Police, describing the infrastructure project as part of efforts to strengthen the force. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had laid the foundation stone in February 2026.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also extended greetings to Assam Police personnel on the occasion and acknowledged their role in maintaining security and public service.
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