Chhattisgarh Police receive record gallantry medals amid Bastar anti-Naxal milestones

In Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, the national flag is being hoisted in several villages previously controlled by Naxalites, marking a symbolic shift in the fight against Left-Wing Extremism. Locations such as Karreguttalu Hills in Bijapur district and Minpa village in Sukma, which were once core insurgent zones, are participating in Independence Day celebrations. Minpa village is noted for a 2020 ambush where 17 security personnel were killed.

In recognition of ongoing anti-insurgency efforts, the Chhattisgarh Police have received a record 141 gallantry medals ahead of Independence Day 2026. This is the highest number awarded to any state police force or security organization in India, surpassing the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force. According to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, 197 of the 301 total gallantry medals awarded this year were given to personnel deployed in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism.