Punjab CM urges Centre for strategy to tackle terror

New Delhi/Chandigarh, April 19: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and sought a comprehensive strategy to tackle what he called “re-emergence of extremism”. Amarinder Singh said that terrorism could again disturb peace and stability in Punjab, which witnessed Khalistani separatist violence for a decade until 1993.

He suggested strengthening the intelligence network, besides action against terrorists’ handlers based in Canada, the UK, the US, Italy and Germany who he said were actively engaged in efforts to revive terrorism in Punjab. The Chief Minister also underlined the need for countering social media activities aimed at disturbing peace and stability in Punjab, an official spokesperson said.

Citing security concerns, Amarinder Singh reiterated the demand for central assistance in Punjab Police modernisation. The Home Minister agreed to look into the demand under the Modernisation of Police Forces Scheme.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab should be designated as Category A state under the scheme to ensure 90 per cent central funding on the pattern of Jammu and Kashmir and eight northeastern states. (IANS)