‘Peace due to its sacrifices’: Mann hails Punjab Police

Jalandhar: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday hailed Punjab Police, saying that peace had been established in the state only due to the sacrifices of its personnel. Addressing the passing-out parade of 2,577 new police recruits at PAP complex here, he said Punjab faced daily attempts by Pakistan to disturb peace through anti-social elements and drone intrusions, asserting Punjab Police had to stand firmly "guarding the international border". "This force is not just Punjab's police, but the police of the entire nation. As a border state, Punjab faces nefarious attempts by the neighbouring country to trap our youth and push Punjab back into the era of dark days, but we will not let that happen," he said.Showering praise on the state police, he said Punjab Police had fulfilled its responsibility with dedication to safeguard the unity and integrity of the country. "These nefarious forces (in Pakistan) had forgotten that the brave Punjab Police does not spare anyone who tries to destabilise the state. Punjab Police is committed to preserving the hard earned peace of the state and no stone is being left unturned for this noble cause," he saidHighlighting training infrastructure of the state police, CM said the state govt had established state-of-the-art police training centres across Punjab which can't be matched. "Several states from across the country approach Punjab Police for imparting training on modern lines. Not only from across the country but several forces from other countries also approach Punjab for imparting training to their cops," he added.He underscored his govt's commitment to employment generation and police modernisation. Declaring the recruitment drive as part of the AAP govt's employment revolution, the CM highlighted that over 12,010 police personnel had been appointed since March 2022, Rs 1,100 crore had been earmarked to upgrade the force on scientific lines, and cutting-edge measures including AI integration, specialised technical units and a strengthened anti-narcotics task force were being deployed to combat cybercrime, terrorism and drugs. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav and other senior police officers were also present on the occasion.