Lucknow, October 1 (Daily Kiran) : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a strong critique of the previous government’s handling of law and order during a ceremony in Lucknow. He stated that prior to 2017, the state was under the influence of notorious mafia groups, with parallel governments operating unchecked. He emphasized that the police were often powerless, forced to bow to these criminal elements.
Speaking at the Lok Bhawan auditorium, Adityanath flagged off 87 interceptor vehicles, honored brave police personnel with medals, and unveiled former DGP Prakash Singh’s book titled “Struggle.” He noted that since 2017, significant police reforms have been implemented in the state. Uttar Pradesh became the first in the country to adopt the police reforms advocated by Singh. Currently, seven police commissionerates are operational in the state, showcasing a blend of thought, bravery, and technology within the police force.
The Chief Minister remarked that commenting from behind closed doors is easy, but anyone, regardless of their stature, can quickly become vulnerable in an atmosphere of chaos. He asserted that a secure environment is essential for healthy discourse and prosperity, encapsulated in the Uttar Pradesh police’s motto: “Your safety, our commitment.” He recalled a time when the Terai region was plagued by terrorism, making travel nearly impossible after sunset. Singh, during his tenure as DGP, faced these challenges head-on, even seeking the Supreme Court‘s intervention for police reforms.
Adityanath further elaborated that ideology must encompass practical challenges. Singh’s experiences and insights have now been compiled into his book, inspiring youth through his lectures over the years. He stressed that when ethics and thought align, positive outcomes follow.
Reflecting on the law and order situation before 2017, Adityanath noted that people were often dismissed as “UP wallahs.” The police faced immense challenges, and without decisive political leadership, maintaining law and order was difficult. Training facilities for police personnel were inadequate, with only about 6,000 officers receiving training annually. Officers often worked in dilapidated buildings, and communal riots led to prolonged curfews in areas like Kosi Kalan, Meerut, Aligarh, and Muzaffarnagar. These circumstances contributed to Uttar Pradesh being labeled as a backward state, facing hurdles in various sectors, including the economy and welfare programs.
The Chief Minister emphasized the necessity of integrating technology with police reforms. Under the Safe City initiative, over 1.4 million cameras have been installed across urban areas to prevent and investigate crimes. Integrated Command and Control Centers have also been established in districts. The synergy of thought, action, and technology has led to noticeable improvements in the Uttar Pradesh police’s identity.
Adityanath paid tribute to the bravery of late Inspector Sunil Kumar Singh, associated with the UP Police’s Special Task Force, who was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his valor. Singh bravely eliminated four notorious criminals during an encounter on January 22, 2025, but was severely injured and later succumbed to his wounds. The Chief Minister honored his family during the event, highlighting the recognition of 16 police officers with the President’s Gallantry Award and 10 with the Chief Minister’s Gallantry Medal. He congratulated all the courageous police personnel present.
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