Punjab: 403 cops return to police stations after former MPs, MLAs lose security cover

Amritsar (Punjab), March 13: After stripping 122 former MPs and MLAs of security cover on Saturday, Punjab Chief Minister-designate Bhagwant Mann on Sunday informed that as many as 403 police officials have returned to police stations.

"We will utilise police for what they are meant to do (work for common people); we will not bother them with security duties of VIPs," said Mann while addressing a roadshow in Amritsar and added, "We have decreased the security of 122 people and due to that 403 police personnel and 27 police vehicles have returned to the police stations."

Notably, the Additional Director General of Police (security) on Saturday ordered the withdrawal of security cover of 122 former MPs and MLAs in Punjab. The order was issued dated March 11, soon after AAP leader and CM-designate Bhagwant Mann met the Director-General of Police (DGP) and the Chief Secretary.

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The list includes the names of key Congress leaders who received security protection under the previous administration, as well as the names of Congress MLAs who won their seats in the Assembly elections this time but will no longer be cabinet ministers.

The list also includes the names of senior leaders of BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), former AAP MLAs, former cabinet ministers and former Assembly Speakers.

The order stated that the withdrawn police personnel will report to their parent units and that the personnel deployed on specific orders of Courts will not be withdrawn.

Mann further reiterated that no government offices will have Chief Minister's photos, "but will have pictures of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Babasaheb Ambedkar."

Aam Aadmi Party registered a massive victory in the Punjab polls with 92 seats. Congress won 18 seats in the 117-member Assembly while BJP won two and Shiromani Akali Dali three seats.

Also Read | Punjab ADGP orders withdrawal of security from former ministers, MLAs

-PTC News