CHIEF Minister Dr Mohan Yadav granted out-of-turn promotions to 60 courageous personnel who displayed exceptional bravery and valor in Naxal encounters in Balaghat. The Chief Minister awarded the promotions during special promotion and felicitation ceremony of the Madhya Pradesh Police in Balaghat on Monday. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr Yadav said that the name Balaghat signifies strength. “This district, through its sheer determination, has overcome the formidable challenge of Naxalism. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, an environment conducive to Naxal eradication was created across the country.” CM Dr Yadav said, “Madhya Pradesh Police launched an effective campaign, forcing the Naxalites to surrender and bidding a final farewell to the ‘Laal Salaam’ in the State.

 

The role of the brave soldiers of the Hawk Force in Naxal eradication is commendable. While Balaghat was once a battleground where Naxalites shed blood, the bravery of the soldiers, the unwavering resolve of the police, and the trust of the people have liberated the region from the shackles of Naxal terror. Dr Yadav added, “The State Government is paying tributes to the brave martyrs through the ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ at Balaghat. Now, the land of Madhya Pradesh is free from Naxalites.” Chief Minister Dr Yadav was given a guard of honour upon his arrival at the programme held at the Balaghat Police Lines. Chief Minister Dr Yadav laid a wreath at the ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’, paying tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the peace and security of the State. Dr Yadav also inaugurated 32 police stations and other government offices in Balaghat district, virtually.

 

He released the book ‘Naxal Reminiscences’. Transport and School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh, MP Bharti Pardhi, former Minister Gauri Shankar Bisen, ADG Anti-Naxal Operations Venkateswara Rao, Superintendent of Police Balaghat Aditya Mishra, along with MLAs and other public representatives were specially present at the event. Chief Minister Dr Yadav said that it is sad that former minister Likhiram Kawre was publicly murdered in Balaghat during the previous government's tenure. This was a major challenge for us, as Madhya Pradesh shares an 836-kilometer-long border with Chhattisgarh. Madhya Pradesh has lost 38 police personnel and 27 civilians. With the blessings of Baba Mahakal, the State Government has succeeded in eradicating Naxalism. Even in the challenging environment of dense forests, the Hawk Force, using a mega-strategy, chased away the Naxalites and killed four notorious Naxalites.

 

As mans as 4,104 anti-Naxal operations, 23 percent more than the previous year, were carried out depsiet all odds. Security forces has eliminated 10 of the most hardcore Naxalites so far in 2025. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state government is making every possible arrangement to ensure that Naxalites do not get another opportunity to establish themselves in the future. He said that ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti’ in Balaghat will serve as a memorial to the Naxal-free campaign. Chief Minister Dr Yadav congratulated the police personnel for the success of the antiNaxal operation. ADG, Anti-Naxal Operations, Venkateshwar Rao, paid tribute to Inspector Ashish Sharma, who was martyred a few months ago. SP Aditya Mishra, assured Chief Minister Dr Yadav that where the sound of gunfire once echoed, there will now be the resounding call of employment, trust, and education.