Agnipath scheme: District police chiefs put on alert after violence in Punjab

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, June 19

In view of protests against the Centre’s Agnipath scheme, the state government on Sunday issued an advisory to all district police chiefs to handle the situation.

“In the ongoing agitation and reports of Bharat bandh on June 20 being circulated on social media platforms, the district police should take some preventive steps. As these protests are being mobilised through social media, there is a need to activate the social media cells and monitor the activities of such groups which are mobilising or spreading instigating information about the scheme,” said the letter sent by the ADGP (Law and Order) to all SSPs and police commissioner in the state.

It further said as some organisations with vested interest might be supporting the agitation, the local police would monitor the situation closely and take suitable preventive action to ensure peace in the area.

“The offices and installations related to central government departments shall be strongly protected and Railways property and installations shall also be protected and there should be close coordination between state police, GRP and RPF,” the letter said.

It further directed the police to protect Army recruitment centres and other vulnerable military installations that might face threat. “A close liaison shall also be maintained with Army authorities to secure these locations”. The ADGP also directed the police chiefs to ensure safety of the offices related to the BJP and its leaders.

List of coaching centres sent

Sending a list of 13 defence coaching institutes to the SSPs, the ADGP said some of these were “indirectly” supporting the protesters. “There is need to counsel the owners and managers of such institutes,” he said. The police also need to trace other such institutes engaged in providing training to youngsters.

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