Mohan Yadav honoured fallen police personnel and declared Madhya Pradesh free of Naxalism. The achievement shifts policing focus towards cybercrime, drug trafficking and support for martyrs' families.
Yadav said the dedication of police to maintain country's unity was an inspiration. (File Photo: ITG)
Bhopal,Oct 21, 2026 14:41 IST
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Wednesday praised the police and armed forces for their role in protecting national security and said the state had ended the Naxal menace after nearly 35 years, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
Speaking on Police Commemoration Day, Yadav paid tribute to personnel killed in the line of duty and outlined government support for their families. He also identified cybercrime and drug trafficking as major challenges for the police.
Yadav was addressing the state-level Police Memorial Day Parade 2026 at the Martyrs' Memorial Ground in Bhopal. He praised the police for enhancing Madhya Pradesh's reputation through their efficiency.
"It is a moment of great pride for us that our state has now succeeded in overcoming the scourge of Naxalism, which it had been enduring for nearly 35 years. It was a difficult period, fraught with many challenges. However, our brave and courageous soldiers made the state proud with their indomitable courage, valour and dedication," Yadav said, according to PTI.
He said the state had tackled the challenge of Naxalism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Yadav said Police Commemoration Day, observed on October 21, honours the sacrifices of police personnel and highlights the importance of the police and armed forces in maintaining national security, peace and social order.
"The police and the armed forces have a special significance in our history. In our eternal culture, bearing arms does not merely mean a display of power, but rather a pledge to protect society and the nation. On this occasion, we pay homage to those brave soldiers who, while performing their duties, even sacrificed their lives for the security of the nation and society," he said.
"It is the sacrifice of such immortal martyrs that has always made our society, our country and our state proud. I pay my humble tributes to all these immortal martyrs," he added.
Yadav said the tricolour flying from Lal Chowk to the ramparts of the Red Fort symbolised India's self-respect, strength and tradition. "This flag also expresses the saga of our brave soldiers, their indomitable courage and immortal sacrifice. Today, when the entire world is going through a period of turmoil and many challenges, India's democracy remains safe and strong. Our armed forces and police force play a vital role in this," he said.
He said the dedication of police and armed forces personnel to maintaining the country's unity, integrity and internal security was an inspiration. He saluted the martyrs and thanked personnel who work day and night to protect the country.
The chief minister said the government provides financial assistance to the families of police personnel killed in the line of duty. It has decided that 50 per cent of the assistance will be given to the deceased personnel's wife and the remaining 50 per cent to the parents.
"We face the challenge of curbing cybercrime and drug trafficking, and our police personnel will, as always, meet these challenges," Yadav said.
Earlier, Yadav took the salute and laid a wreath at the Martyrs' Altar. He paid homage to nine police officers and personnel who died in the line of duty this year.
Director General of Police Kailash Makwana said, according to PTI, "Today, we remember the brave policemen who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Our soldiers have made sacrifices to maintain the security of the nation and the state and to maintain law and order."
Makwana said the Madhya Pradesh Police had a distinguished history, with officers serving across the country from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu and from Goa to Nagaland.
"This year, nine police personnel and officers of the Madhya Pradesh Police sacrificed their lives. Our condolences are with the families of all the martyrs. They are part of our police family, and it is our moral responsibility to take care of them. Police service is not just a job, it is a responsibility, a commitment to dedication and sacrifice," the DGP said.
Police Commemoration Day is observed in memory of 10 Central Reserve Police Force personnel who were killed in an ambush by Chinese troops in Ladakh's Hot Spring area on October 21, 1959. The event remembered those who died in service, while underlining the role of the police and armed forces in national security and the support provided to bereaved families.
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