Ensure Tight Security: Intelligence

[Azaad]

Apprehending that pro-Khalistan hardliners could try to exploit the situation in the state, intelligence units have cautioned the government to ensure foolproof security measures ahead of March 31. A high-level security review meeting was held today which was attended by the police and intelligence top brass. It was decided to depute additional security personnel in all districts.

Following a review of the security arrangements after the court order on hanging of Beant Singh’s assassin Balwant Singh Rajoana, the Punjab government had sent an SOS call to the Centre, seeking additional paramilitary forces. Sources said the state government had already got additional back-up of 15 companies of the paramilitary force and the CRPF. “Following a meeting of the police top brass and intelligence units, the companies have been stationed in all districts of the state,” they added.

Besides, the armed battalions of the state force have been kept on a high alert.

ADGP (Law and Order) SK Sharma said all aspects of maintaining law and order in the state were discussed in detail. “We have decided to step up security all over the state by deputing additional forces,” he said.

Intelligence inputs suggest that some hardliners could try to create disturbance in the garb of support for Rajoana due to which the police is extra cautious. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has already assured that he would do everything possible to see that “the situation does not get out of hand nor it is exploited by the hardliners”.

“Peace in Punjab came at a very high price and all of us want it to continue,” he had commented during his visit to Patiala yesterday.

Meanwhile, the hardline factions have called for a complete bandh on March 28 followed by two days of agitation outside the Patiala Central Jail. “We have completed the security review. Though peaceful agitations could continue, no one would be allowed to violate the law”, said Patiala DIG LK Yadav.