Police Day: CM salutes force's martyrs

Bhopal, Oct 21 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said that the entire nation was indebted to those brave police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice while maintaining law and order.

''Over the past year, 16 jawans of the state police died in the line of duty. Their martyrdom will continue to be a source of inspiration. Madhya Pradesh is a comparitively peaceful state but we will not lower our alertness level,'' he said here while addressing a programme and parade to mark Police Commemoration Day.

Pointing out that the police were being made more capable of confronting the naxal and banditry challenges, Mr Chouhan added that the force was also being expanded.

''A Durgavati women's battalion is being formed. Reservation for women is being ensured and women's desks being set up at police stations,'' he said.

The Chief Minister interacted with the martyrs' families and assured all help. He directed senior officers to ensure appointment on compassionate grounds and immediate sanction of special pension.

''The recent neutralising of dacoit chieftain Dayaram Gadaria was a major success,'' said Director-General of Police A R Pawar.

Among those present was Chief Secretary Rakesh Sahani.

UNI SHD-AC 1621