Strongly backing the BJP-led Central Government’s move of extending the BSF’s jurisdiction in Punjab from 15 to 50 kms, the former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday send alarm bells ringing by saying that “something is going to happen”.

“I am not an alarmist but my 10 years of experience in the Army and 9.5 years as home minister of the state told me that something is going to happen,” said Capt Amarinder while slamming the State Government over its repeated denial of any serious security concerns.

Asserting that the border force is not going to take over Punjab or its administration, Capt Amarinder said that such misconceptions were being spread by certain people to score brownie points in the run-up to the Assembly elections. “The BSF is here for helping maintain national security as we are a border state,” he said, calling for full support by the State to the Centre in the interest of national security.

Capt Amarinder asserted, “There is something very wrong and dangerous happening at the borders, which the State could ill-afford to ignore.”

“Sleeper cells of Pak ISI and Khalistani forces are creating trouble, technology is becoming more advance. The capacity and range of drones is increasing, first they came in just five to six kms from the border, now they reach 31 kms,” he pointed out, adding, “We have to be very careful of the clandestine war from across the borders”.

It was the duty of every responsible government to tackle such threats, Capt Amarinder stressed, countering those who mock his concerns of national security.

“The State Government should put the facts before the people and take their help in getting information instead of denying the danger. It should own up and take necessary action to combat the threat,” he said, adding that even at the all-party meet held on the issue, it seems the political parties were not properly briefed.

AMARINDER TO MEET SHAH TODAY TO DISCUSS FARMERS' ISSUE

Considering that Capt Amarinder Singh’s political renaissance depends on an “acceptable” resolution to the farmers’ ongoing agitation against the Centre’s three farm laws, the former Chief Minister is set to meet the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday one more time to discuss the issue.

Capt Amarinder had earlier also met Shah, and the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on September 30.

He would be leading a non-political delegation of agricultural experts to meet Shah to discuss “possible solutions” to the ongoing farmers’ agitation.

“I have been discussing various options with the Union Home Minister and others...I think I can help in finding a solution as I have been the Chief Minister of Punjab and am also an agriculturist,” he said.

While there could be no pre-decided formula for the resolution of the farmers’ stir, something would emerge during the talks as both sides — the Central Government and farmers — want a resolution to the crisis triggered by the farm laws, he said.

Also clarifying that he had not met any farmer leaders, Capt Amarinder said that he had deliberately not interfered in the matter as the farmers did not want politicians involved.

The farmer leaders had four inconclusive meetings with the Union Government before February this year, but backchannel talks have been going on, he added.