Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh called on the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Thursday and urged him to formulate comprehensive strategy to tackle the re-emergence of extremism in the state.
Punjab CM Capt Amarinder further added that the re-emergence of extremism is threatening to once again disturb the peace and stability.
Capt Amarinder suggested strengthening of the Intelligence Apparatus, besides action against foreign handlers based in Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Italy, Germany, who are actively engaged in activities for revival of terrorism in Punjab.
Punjab CM apprised the Union Home Minister about the general law and order situation in the State including issues related to attempts to create disturbances in the State through targeted killings.
He also underlined the need for countering social media activities aimed at disturbing the peace and stability of the state.
An official spokesperson disclosed later that the Home minister agreed to look into the state’s demands under the Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) Scheme.
Citing the state’s security concerns, the CM Amarinder reiterated the demand for central assistance in the MPF.
Capt Amarinder said that under MPF, Punjab should be designated as a Category-A state for financial assistance at 90:10 Centre-State sharing basis on the pattern of Jammu and Kashmir and eight north eastern states.
He also sought allocation of additional funds to Punjab under MPF scheme for ‘Strengthening of the State Special Branch’ for various Law and Order challenges being faced by the state, such as proxy war, trans-border terrorism and influx of drugs or weapons or explosives.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured all possible Central Assistance, as requested by the State Government.
Captain Amarinder Singh appreciated support being provided by the Central Agencies in investigating these cases.
The NIA is carrying out probes into these killings, suspected to be carried out through a criminal conspiracy to disturb communal harmony in the State.
The Chief Minister and the Union Home Minister further discussed steps to tackle the situation in a coordinated manner.
Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba and Senior Officers from MHA and the Punjab State Government were present. (The Statesmen)
