In the wake of the recent death and cremation of Zubeen Garg, the people of Assam and beyond witnessed a remarkable demonstration of Assam Police’s professionalism and spirit of public partnership.
Despite overwhelming crowds thronging the streets to pay their last respects to the beloved cultural icon, order, dignity, and calm prevailed—a testament not only to the operational acumen of the police, but also to the deep-rooted belief and trust the Assamese public places in its law enforcement institutions.
At a moment when grief easily gives way to unrest, Assam Police’s deft cooperation with the masses, sensitivity, and tact stood out as a beacon of public cooperation, quietly validating why this force is held in such high regard.
It is fitting, then, as we reflect on this seamless orchestration of public emotion and order, to remember the journey and historical significance of Assam Police Day.
Every year, on October 1, Assam commemorates the founding impulse behind its modern police force—a proud tradition that began in 1951, when K.R. Choudhury, the first Indian Imperial Police officer, took charge as the head of Assam Police, marking the end of colonial administration and the dawn of indigenous leadership making October 1a natural choice for celebration.
Contemporary celebrations of the day reflect this layered history. The ceremonial parade at the 4th Assam Police Battalion headquarters at Kahilipara in Guwahati, forms the centre-piece, with specialized units such as the Women Commando, Mounted Police, and the Brass Band showcasing their discipline and pride.
Senior leaders including the Chief Minister, Governor, and Director General of Police attend these events, reinforcing continuity between generations.
Alongside the formal grandeur, community-oriented programs underscore the force’s commitment to service.
Blood donation camps organized in districts has become regular features, addressing humanitarian needs while building trust with citizens.
Athletic competitions, cultural programs, and quizzes highlight the human face of policing, while rallies on social causes such as Swachh Bharat underline the force’s engagement with broader national missions.
Perhaps the most solemn component is the remembrance of martyrs, with tributes paid to over 900 police personnel who laid down their lives for peace and security in the state. Such gestures remind both police and public that behind every uniform lies courage and sacrifice.
Yet, Assam Police Day is not only about looking back. It is about setting directions for the future. Leaders of the force have a unique opportunity to use the occasion to bridge gaps between citizens and police.
Establishing community liaison programs in both rural and urban areas can build two-way communication, while mobile police stations can extend services to remote corners of the state where accessibility remains difficult.
With technology now central to daily life, Assam Police should expand its digital footprint by creating user-friendly mobile applications for crime reporting, traffic updates, and safety alerts.
These tools, if designed in local languages, can foster inclusivity and ensure that even young, tech-savvy citizens feel a sense of ownership in security matters.
Educational outreach also deserves more attention. Workshops in schools and colleges on cyber safety, legal rights, and civic responsibility can not only empower youth but also reshape perceptions of the police as mentors rather than enforcers.
The success of Project Prahari and others prove that when police invest in community development alongside law enforcement, trust deepens.
Extending such models to address urban challenges like drug abuse, domestic violence, and cybercrime could make policing more preventive and humane. Welfare initiatives for retired personnel, inspired by Karnataka’s Police Flag Day, or week-long public contact programs like those in Maharashtra, could enrich Assam’s own observance.
Tamil Nadu’s recent practice of involving police families in cultural events offers yet another perspective, for it humanizes the profession and helps communities see officers beyond their uniforms.
Global best practices provide further inspiration. The United Kingdom’s principle of “policing by consent” emphasizes regular public consultation—something Assam Police could emulate through digital forums and citizen assemblies where diverse groups deliberate on local security issues.
Japan’s koban system of small, neighbourhood-based police posts offers another model, creating daily interactions that build trust over time.
In Singapore, community policing emphasizes crime prevention through integration with local institutions, while the Netherlands appoints dedicated liaison officers whose sole duty is to build trust with the public.
These approaches, though culturally distinct, share a common theme: policing becomes effective when it is participatory, preventive, and people-centric. For Assam, with its ethnic diversity and geographical challenges, adopting such models could reinforce bonds of trust, transparency, and respect.
Technology provides unprecedented opportunities. Social media can be harnessed not just for announcements but for dialogue, provided communication is in local languages and culturally sensitive.
Mobile applications with features like anonymous reporting, satisfaction surveys, and service tracking could enhance accountability. Partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and social organizations can ensure a holistic approach to law enforcement that addresses root causes of crime while uplifting communities.
And as evening shadows lengthen over the Brahmaputra valley and the last notes of the brass band fade into memory, there lingers in the air something more profound than mere ceremony.
It is the echo of seven decades of service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication that transforms a simple date on the calendar into a repository of collective memory and shared dreams.
October 1 in Assam is not merely about honouring the past but about nurturing the seeds of tomorrow’s policing, where every badge worn carries forward the legacy of K.R. Choudhury’s pioneering leadership while embracing the infinite possibilities of community partnership, technological innovation, and human compassion that define modern law enforcement.
But beneath the models and innovations lies the unique spirit of Assam: a belief in people, in duty, and in service beyond self.
Seven decades since its inception, Assam Police Day is both remembrance and resolve—a day when every constable’s badge gleams a little brighter against the backdrop of memory, hope, and an Assam forever striving to make its police, and its people, one.
