PUNJAB CM URGES RAJNATH FOR COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO TACKLE EMERGING EXTREMISM IN PUNJAB

New Delhi, April 19, 2018: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday urged Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the re-emergence of extremism in Punjab, which he said was threatening to once again disturb the peace and stability of the state.

At a meeting with the Union Home Minister here, Captain Amarinder Singh stressed on the need for the formulation of an all-encompassing strategy to counter the emerging extremism. He suggested strengthening of the Intelligence Apparatus, besides action against foreign handlers based in Canada, UK, USA, Italy, Germany, who are actively engaged in activities for revival of terrorism in Punjab.

Captain Amarinder also underlined the need for countering social media activities aimed at disturbing the peace and stability of the state. He was of the opinion that strengthening the state government’s `Connect with Your Roots’ programme would also help in controlling such activities.

An official spokesperson disclosed later that the Home Minister agreed to look into the state’s demands under the Modernization of Police Forces Scheme (MPF Scheme). Citing the state’s security concerns, the Chief Minister reiterated the demand for central assistance in the modernization of the police forces.

The Chief Minister 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 J&K and 8 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 (L&O) challenges being faced by the state, such as proxy war, trans-border terrorism and influx of drugs/weapons/explosives.