“The state police has maintained law and order and is ahead of many other states in the country. The Central government has admitted as much,” he said. He was the chief guest at the Fifth West Bengal Police Medal Investiture Ceremony — 2007, held at the Science City auditorium on Thursday.

“With 54,000 policemen and 435 police stations in the state, which is much below the requirement, the police have performed remarkably,” he added. He said separatist forces in the neighbouring countries have targeted Bengal to disturb the peaceful atmosphere here. “Despite terrorist and divisive forces active in both north and south Bengal, the police have lived up to their reputation.”

He did not mention Nandigram or Cooch Behar or the Rizwanur case.

“I am happy with the efficiency of the police. But I want further improvement in the force,” he said. He urged the police to be as strict as possible with the criminals and good friends with the common people.

Director-General of Police A B Vohra said 82 policemen have been selected for the Police Medal this year. Among them 44 were selected for the Seva Medal, 27 for Prasangsa Medal, 10 for Nistha Medal and one for Sourya Medal.

He said the Sourya Medal had been given posthumously to Sub-Inspector Sadhu Charan Chatterjee of Haldia police station in East Midnapore district, who was killed while on duty on 7 February, 2005. His wife Tapati received the medal from the chief minister on his behalf.