Madhya Pradesh Police’s Impactful Campaign makes “Final Salute” to Lal Salam Possible: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that strength is inherent in the very name of Balaghat. Through its own inner resolve, the district has demonstrated that even a Himalayan-scale challenge, such as Naxalism, can be brought to an end. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, a nationwide momentum was created for the eradication of Naxalism. The Madhya Pradesh Police conducted impactful operations that forced Naxalites to their knees, delivering the ‘final salute” to Lal Salam in the state. The role of the brave personnel of the Hawk Force in eliminating Naxalism is truly commendable.

Balaghat was once a land where Naxalites unleashed bloodshed, but the bravery of the security forces, the firm resolve of the police, and the trust of the people together freed the region from the chains of Naxal terror. The state government is paying tribute to the martyred heroes through the Amar Jawan Jyoti. We can proudly say that the soil of Madhya Pradesh is now free from Naxalism.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav granted out-of-turn promotions to 60 valiant personnel who displayed indomitable courage and bravery in Naxal encounters at an event held in Balaghat. He was accorded a guard of honour upon his arrival at the Balaghat Police Lines. The Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, honouring personnel who sacrificed their lives for the peace and security of the state.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also remotely inaugurated 32 police stations and other government offices in Balaghat district that have been developed in accordance with ISO standards, and certificates related to these were presented from the dais. On the occasion, police personnel gave an emotional rendition of the song ‘Woh Banke Albelae—Jo Wapas Na Laute—Is Mitti Ke Bete’. The Chief Minister released the book ‘Naxal Smaran’ and was felicitated with a bouquet. Transport and School Education Minister Shri Uday Pratap Singh, Member of Parliament Smt. Bharti Pardhi, former minister Shri Gauri Shankar Bisen, ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations) Shri Venkateshwar Rao, Superintendent of Police Balaghat, Shri Aditya Mishra, along with MLAs and public representatives, were especially present. The Chief Minister recalled that it was a matter of deep sorrow that former minister Shri Likhiram Kavre was brutally murdered in public in Balaghat during the tenure of a previous government. This posed a major challenge, as Madhya Pradesh shares an 836-kilometre-long border with Chhattisgarh. In the fight against Naxalism, the state lost 38 police personnel and 27 civilians. With the blessings of Baba Mahakal, the state government has successfully uprooted Naxalism. Even in the challenging terrain of dense forests, the Hawk Force adopted the Megacaso strategy, drove out Naxalites, and neutralised four dreaded extremists.

Compared to the previous year, 4,104 anti-Naxal operations—23 per cent more, were carried out despite the challenges of monsoon and wild animals. In 2025 so far, the force has neutralised 10 of the most hardcore Naxalites. Naxalites were given a clear message—surrender or face consequences, and the brave personnel proved the state government’s resolve on the ground.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the state government is making comprehensive arrangements to ensure that Naxalites never again get an opportunity to regain a foothold. In Balaghat district, 250 Naxal-affected schools have been renovated. Single-window service centres have been established for local citizens, while camps have been organised to provide forest rights titles, caste certificates, and employment opportunities to tribal communities. Declaring this as the Year of Farmer Welfare, he announced that an Agriculture Cabinet meeting will now be held in Balaghat in the Mahakaushal region. With the resolution of the Naxal problem, justice has also been delivered for the murder of former minister late Likhiram Kavre. The Amar Jawan Jyoti in Balaghat will stand as a memorial of the Naxal-free campaign. The Chief Minister congratulated police personnel for the success of the anti-Naxal operations.

School Education, Transport, and District In-Charge Minister Shri Uday Pratap Singh said that this is a historic and unforgettable day for the Balaghat district, as the soil of Madhya Pradesh has been freed from the Naxal menace. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, the government, police and local representatives worked together, leading to the successful culmination of the anti-Naxal campaign. Villages in Balaghat are being connected with paved roads, and numerous development works have been undertaken. He saluted police officers and personnel who struggled relentlessly for nearly three decades. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, decisive action against Naxalites has yielded strong results. With the firm resolve of the Hawk Force, Madhya Pradesh has become Naxal-free ahead of schedule.

ADG (Anti-Naxal Operations) Shri Venkateshwar Rao said that patriotism and public service are their core commitments. So far, 38 police officers and personnel have made the supreme sacrifice in the anti-Naxal campaign. He paid tribute to Inspector Ashish Sharma, who was martyred a few months ago. The state government has approved 882 posts for the Hawk Force. Under the guidance of the Superintendent of Police, Balaghat, efforts continue with community support to restore peace in the district.

Superintendent of Police Balaghat Shri Aditya Mishra assured the Chief Minister that areas once echoing with gunfire will now resonate with employment, trust, and education. Calling the day one of pride, he said that youth involved in the fight against Naxalism are being provided government jobs. Under the Vidyānjali campaign, more than 280 schools in Naxal-affected areas are being developed as Centres of Excellence with community participation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also announced the names of personnel granted out-of-turn promotions, from Sub-Inspector to Inspector, Assistant Sub-Inspector to Sub-Inspector, Head Constable to Assistant Sub-Inspector, and Constable to Head Constable, honouring their exemplary service and bravery. Personnel of the Hawk Force, police personnel, and families of martyrs were present at the event.