Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday addressed a press conference and informed the media about what actually happened during the SYL meeting with the Centre and Haryana CM Saini. Addressing the media, CM Mann announced that his government will table a resolution that will repeal a law passed during the Captain Amarinder Government, which allowed CISF's deployment in the state at Punjab's expense.
CM Mann stated that he is bringing the resolution as he has been informed that CISF might be deployed to guard the dams of Punjab. Punjab CM said, "This law was passed during Captain Amarinder Singh's tenure, permitting CISF deployment in Punjab. It also stated that the state would bear the cost of their services. We are now bringing a resolution to repeal this law.”
The state government emphasized that the Punjab Police is fully capable and competent to safeguard sensitive installations like dams and border areas. “In reality, it is the Punjab Police that has been ensuring security, as they operate in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF). There's no need for additional forces like CISF,” CM Mann said.
CM Mann further expressed concerns that the Centre has started using this law to pressure the state by proposing CISF deployment at Bhakra-Nangal Dam and other key locations. Moreover, the cost of such deployment, Rs 7.5 crore annually, would be an additional financial burden on the state.
“We will not only oppose this move but also cancel the provision that empowers such deployment. Punjab Police is fully capable of managing internal and strategic security,” CM Mann added.
On being asked whether CISF security will be removed from both the Secretary and the Punjab Jails, CM Mann said that currently, the security forces will not be allowed to guard dams. However, eventually, the security from jails and the secretary will be withdrawn as well. CM Mann said that "New recruitment in Punjab Police over 1 lakh will be made."