NEWS

Punjab has seen enough bloodshed: DGP

By Onkar Singh in Chandigarh
March 10, 2006 12:21 IST

Dismissing speculations on Punjab plunging back into disorder, state Director General of Police S S Virk has promised to come down heavily on anyone trying to revive terrorism in Punjab either directly or indirectly.

In an exclusive interview to rediff.com, Virk said he was contemplating action against the television organization, which had aired a programme, Desh Droh, which gave an opportunity to the separatist elements to voice their frustration.

"Let me assure the people of the country that Punjab police takes pride in crushing terrorism and we would certainly not allow its resurrection in any form and from any quarter," Virk said.

Terming the Zee TV programme as high irresponsible journalism, the DGP said, "We are writing to the union home ministry on the programme and the state home department pointing out the kind of irresponsibility that has been shown in the name of mounting a programme."

"Punjab has gone through lot of bloodshed and now they have got peace and is making economic progress. This is not to the liking of certain elements that are bent upon disturbing this peace and I am sure the people of Punjab would not permit such elements to return to the days of militancy," he added.

Virk followed his words with action and ordered the arrest of self-styled leader who have been propounding the theory of so-called Khalistan. Others who likely to be arrested soon are Akal Federation's Jagjit Singh Chohan and Kanwalpal Singh Dhami, who have been charged with sedition and making anti-national statements.

"Militancy died in the state 15 years ago and we are not going to let anyone revive it," asserted Virk.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha member and former chairman of the National Commission for Minorities Tarlochan Singh met the Home Minister Shivraj Patil in New Delhi and demanded action against the television network for raking up a dead issue just to enhance its TRP ratings.

"This is a highly condemnable programme. An attempt is being made to bring the Sikhs back to disrepute," he retorted.

Onkar Singh in Chandigarh

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