About 2,000 more paramilitary forces would be deployed in Punjab to improve security as there have been constant information that certain groups are attempting to provoke disturbance in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Wednesday.
Bhagwant Mann stated this following a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who promised him every cooperation from the federal government.
“There have been continuous information that certain miscreants are attempting to foment violence in Punjab. So I have asking the home minister to authorise extra soldiers for the security of the state,” he told reporters.
The chief minister said 10 companies of paramilitary soldiers had already visited Punjab, and another 10 companies would be sanctioned by the Union Home Ministry shortly.
One company of paramilitary contains about 100 troops.
Bhagwant Mann said the home minister assured him that there is no compromise on the national security and it is beyond party politics and the federal government will offer all support required to the Punjab administration.
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The chief minister said he had informed the home minister about the supply of weaponry from over the border by drones and urged the central government’s cooperation in handling it.
Mann remarked that security at borders had to be increased for preserving our country’s security and sovereignty.
He voiced significant worry over the escalating drug and weapon smuggling from over the border by drone and pushed upon Shah to swiftly supply anti-drone technology to state for foiling such efforts.
The Punjab chief minister also called upon Shah to give notice for the procurement of Basmati on MSP saying it is need of the hour to lift the farmers out of wheat-paddy cycle for which promotion of Basmati is needed.
Mann added that it would assist in protecting the valuable resource in form of water in the state and will provide a boost to agricultural diversification.
The chief minister also asked for compensation of ₹ 500 per quintal for poor wheat grain production in the state.
He added that due to intense heat during this summer season, the wheat grains in Punjab had been destroyed.
It is high time that farmers must be compensated for this damage by paying a compensation worth ₹ 500 per quintal for poor yield.
Bhagwant Mann stated that hard-working and resilient farmers of the state had made a massive contribution to making our nation independent in food production. Now, the Union government must bail them out in this hour of trouble.
Raising another concern, he requested Amit Shah to revoke the decision relating to eliminating the member of Punjab from the BBMB.
He remarked that this is a discriminating action which has hurt the psyche of every Punjabi. Mann argued that the Union government must turn back this “retrogressive action which dilutes the federal framework in the state”.
Mann promised Shah that Punjab would safeguard the ideal of communal harmony, peace and fraternity in state. He stated that any effort to fracture state along communal lines would be defeated, and hard-won peace of state will be protected at every cost.
Mann said that Punjab has always been sword arm of the nation and the state would continue to retain this historic history.
Sources claimed the security services have been placed on notice and security has been strengthened in Amritsar ahead of the 38th anniversary of the Operation Blue Star.
The Army carried out Operation Blue Star to hunt out terrorists sheltering within Golden Temple compound between June 1 and 8, 1984.
