Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Monday condemned the terror attack in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district. He said terrorism was not a State problem and has to be tackled through national policies.
“Terrorism is a national problem, it is not a state problem. It has to be tackled by national policies,” Mr. Badal said.
Four gunmen went on a rampage attacking a bus and a police station complex, leaving at least five persons, including a policeman, dead and several injured in Gurdaspur district.
Putting the onus on the Centre, the Chief Minister said the border should have been sealed if there was an input about an impending terror attack in Punjab.
“The terrorists didn’t come from Punjab, they came from the border. If there was an input then it was their [Centre’s] job to seal the border..,” he said.
Citing ill-health, Mr. Badal said he has asked DGP S.S. Saini to reach the spot and coordinate the operation.
He said that a red alert had been sounded across the State following the incident.
“I am in regular touch with my officers. I am holding an emergency meeting with State Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, officers of the Intelligence department and other officials to assess the situation,” he said.
Later, the Chief Minister visited the local Guru Nanak Hospital and assured the injured of full support from the State government. He asked the Deputy Commissioner and officials of the health department to ensure quality medical treatment be given to the injured free of cost.
The Chief Minister also expressed profound grief and sorrow over the death of security personnel and civilians in the terrorist attack.
Mr. Badal also paid tributes to Superintendent of Police (SP) Baljeet Singh who was killed in the attack.
