*PUNJAB WILL BE SOON FREE FROM GANGSTERS AND DRUG SMUGGLERS – ASSERTS PUNJAB CM*

SAID THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO PROTECT THE LIVES AND PROPERTY OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE

Chandigarh, July 21

Complimenting the officers ofPunjab Police and Anti Gangster Task Force (AGTF) for successfully accomplishing an operation against dreaded gangsters on Wednesday, the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today said that state will be soon free from gangsters and drug peddlers.

“It is my guarantee to the people of the state that we will not allow anyone to disturb hard earned peace in state and every effort will be made to maintain peace and communal harmony in Punjab by making it free from gangsters and drug smugglers”, said the Chief Minister in a message to people.

During a meeting with the Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and other officers, who called on him at his official residence on Thursday, the Chief Minister unequivocally said that these gangsters and drug peddlers were patronised by the previous governments. He said that under the protection of Akalis and Congress these gangsters and drug peddlers had a free run of the state because  their masters used them for their vested political interests. However, Bhagwant Mann said that after assuming charge of the office his government accorded top priority to free Punjab from gangsters and drug smugglers, adding, that the day is not far when all of them will be behind the bars.

The Chief Minister said that the action of Punjab Police on Wednesday was in consonance with the zero tolerance policy of the state government against gangsters and anti-social elements. He said that these gangsters were involved in the murder of noted Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and were at large since the murder. Bhagwant Mann said that AGTF had identified these shooters and had detected that they were hiding in a building near border at Amritsar.

The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Police carried out the operation in a highly professional manner by displaying exemplary courage. He said,  the entire state is indebted to them for their heroic deeds. He said that the Punjab Police has upheld its glorious legacy of combating the anti-social and anti-national elements head on to safeguard the lives and property of people. Bhagwant Mann assured the people that no gangster, drug peddler or any anti-social element will be allowed to jeopardise the hard earned peace of the state and severest of severe action will be taken against them.

The Chief Minister said that the action by Punjab Police has made every Punjabi feel proud. Bhagwant Mann assured the Punjabis that the state government is committed to ensure the safety of their lives and property through an efficient and responsive Police mechanism.

DGP and Chief of Anti Gangster Task Force Pramod Ban apprised the Chief Minister about the entire operation.