Punjab Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh on Thursday said extremism is re-emerging in Punjab, threatening to once again disturb the peace and stability of the State.
In a meeting with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, Capt. Amarinder stressed on the need for the formulation of an all-encompassing strategy to counter the emerging extremism. He urged Mr. Singh for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the re-emergence of extremism in Punjab.
Intelligence apparatus
Capt. Singh pointed out that strengthening of the intelligence apparatus was the need of the hour. He said action should be taken against foreign handlers based in countries like Canada, UK, USA, Italy, Germany who are actively engaged in activities for reviving terrorism in Punjab.
He also emphasised the need for countering social media activities aimed at disturbing the peace and stability of the State.
An official statement said the Home Minister agreed to look into the State’s demands under the Modernisation of Police Forces Scheme (MPF Scheme). Citing the State’s security concerns, the Chief Minister raised the demand for Central assistance in the modernisation of the police forces.
“The Chief Minster raised the point 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 Northeastern States,” said the statement.
Additional funds
Capt. Singh 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, weapons and explosives.
