Meeting the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday raised the issue of increased movement of drones from across the border and prevailing drug menace, while informing the Central Minister that the “drug mafia” enjoys “Pakistan’s patronage”.
Mann, who raised a slew of issues concerning Punjab during the meeting that lasted for about 40 minutes, discussed cross-border activities, law and order situation, shifting of barbed-wire at the border, appointment of UT-Chandigarh SSP from Punjab cadre IPS officer, releasing rural development fund, improving coordination between the Centre and the state to further strengthen border security, among others.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and Special Principal Secretary to CM Ravi Bhagat, also urged the Union Home Minister to generously allot funds for checking supply of drugs and weapons from across the border.
Seeking the Centre’s support to check the same, the Chief Minister informed Shah about the use of drones for supply of drugs and weapons from across the borders. “This needs to be checked with heavy hand for which the support of Union Government is must,” he stressed.
According to the Border Security Force (BSF), in 2022, the force has successfully detected and captured 22 drones and seized 316.988 kgs of heroin, 67 weapons, 850 rounds and killed two Pakistan intruders and apprehended 23 Pakistan nationals in different incidents.
Notably, BSF, Punjab Frontier is responsible for safeguarding the 553-km long tough and challenging India-Pakistan international border in Punjab.
The Chief Minister also urged Shah to provide liberal funds to ensure modernization of the state Police force for effectively combating the new challenges. “The need of the hour is to provide ultramodern gadgets and weapons to the state force for checking cross border infiltration and drone attack from across the border,” said Mann, adding that this is most important for preserving the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country.
Mann also underscored the need for better coordination between the Union and the State Governments to face this challenge from across the border. “It is the need of hour to strengthen security on the border in larger interest of the nation. Pakistan is patronizing drug mafia which can be very fatal for the unity and integrity of the country,” said Mann.
Also sharing details with Shah on the gangsters nabbed by the state recently, Mann apprised him that the State Government is adopting zero tolerance policy against the gangsters.
Flagging the issue of problems being faced by the farmers having landing across the fence, while urging him to shift the barbed wire.
Mann also urged the Union Home Minister to appoint Punjab cadre officer as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in UT-Chandigarh, which has been pending since long. Mann also sought the Union Home Minister’s kind intervention for immediate release of pending arrears of Rural Development Fee (RDF).
It has been learnt that Mann also discussed the recent mobilization of pro-Khalistan supporters of self-styled Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh and mull an action plan to take on these subversive elements.
Notably, the previous week, Khalistani sympathizer Amritpal Singh and his supporters on February 23, carrying swords and guns, stormed into Ajnala police station in Amritsar seeking the release of one of his aide, leaving six policemen, including a Superintendent of Police rank officer, injured during the clashes.
In another incident on February 8, protesters seeking release of Sikh prisoners had also clashed with Chandigarh police, injuring more than 30 personnel at the Chandigarh-Mohali border.
Sources informed that before discussing these issues with Punjab Chief Minister, the Home Ministry had taken stock of the entire situation in Punjab with intelligence and investigating agencies, including IB, R&AW, and NIA.
The meeting came a day after Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit met Shah and discussed the law and order situation in the State.
Central Forces in Punjab Ahead of Holla-Mohalla
In the wake of the Holla-Mohalla festivities in Punjab, the Central Government on Thursday approved sending additional troops of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPFs) on the state’s request to maintain law and order in the state. The paramilitary forces will be stationed in Punjab from March 6 to 16. At least 30 companies will be deploying forces in Punjab.
The decision has been made in the wake of upcoming event, Hola Mohalla, in Punjab which sees a large gathering of Nihangs. The three-day-long festival sees locals coming together to celebrate the skills portrayed by Nihangs.
Also, in the wake of the recent Ajnala incident, the Punjab Government is apprehensive that pro-Khalistani sentiments may be floated during the event. Central help has been sought to maintain the law and order during the festival.
