Tuesday 27 March 2012

9,000 Punjab Armed Police, 15 Paramilitary Companies deployed to Punjab - Indian Express


Alert sounded, flag march held across state


With the state intelligence again issuing an advisory that hardliners may try to disturb peace in the garb of support for Balwant Singh Rajoana, the Punjab Police is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that peace is maintained in the state.

Around 9,000 Punjab Armed Police (PAP) personnel, besides 15 paramilitary companies, have been deployed in various parts of the state to assist the district police in maintaining law and order. The last few days have seen protest marches across the state in Balwant’s support.


According to sources, following a SOS by the state police to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), 15 companies of CRPF and BSF personnel have been deployed in the state. These companies have been deployed in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Bathinda. Moreover, 9000 PAP personnel, including commando units, have been deputed for law and order duty.


“These police personnel will assist the district police at various places, hold flag marches and frisk people. This way, the confidence of the public will be restored,” said a police officer.


While Director General of Police S S Saini is likely to camp in Ludhiana in the coming days, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) S K Sharma will also be in the field. The commandants of various battalions have been instructed to move around and hold surprise checks.


“The police will be watching the CCTV footage in markets, multiplexes, malls and religious places. We are extra cautious due to the ongoing festive season,” said an officer.