The SAD-BJP Government on Monday hit out at the Opposition Congress for questioning the role of Punjab police in the terror attack at Dinanagar in Gurdaspur district in July, describing it as “unfortunate and shocking” for raising the “sensitive” issue on the floor of the House.
After Congress MLA from Dinanagar Aruna Chaudhary raised the issue during Zero Hour, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed dismay at the manner in which the opposition party tried to downplay the bravery shown by the Punjab Police in tackling the threat posed by alleged Pakistan-trained terrorists.
Raising the issue, Ms Chaudhary asked why the Army was not allowed to intervene to neutralise three terrorists when it had reached the Dinanagar police station before Punjab police arrived.
“Army had reached at 8.25 a.m. at Dinanagar. But it was not allowed to participate in the operation. Had Army been allowed to neutralise terrorists, the whole operation would have ended in one hour instead of 11 hours,” she said on the floor of the House, inviting sharp reaction from the treasury benches.
She asked why the Punjab Police DGP was not provided Chopper on the day of terror attack to reach the site.
She further wanted to know why nobody noticed three terrorists who easily reached Dinanagar police station after crossing over the border.
The Congress MLA also said no police official was present at Dinanagar police station except home guards at the time of the attack.
Expressing shock over the statement of the Congress MLA, Mr Badal said the exemplary bravery displayed by Punjab Police personnel was even appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I am really shocked. It is unfortunate that this issue is being raised in the House,” said Mr Badal, who holds the Home portfolio.
He said the brave manner in which the terrorists were taken head on had sent a strong message to Pakistan that terrorism would not be tolerated at any cost.
“We should be proud of our forces and should not raise any issue in the Assembly which undermines them,” he said. --PTI
