Forces intensify patrolling in four dists of border belt
AMRITSAR: The administration of all the districts of Majha region has been asked to be ready for any eventuality in the border belt in wake of escalation between Indian and Pakistan, said sources privy to the development on Wednesday.
Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts in the Majha region, which falls along Indo-pakistan international border, have been asked to be prepared for any contingency due to heightened tension between the two neighbouring countries.
Although no order regarding evacuation of bordering villages have been issued so far, the administration was making certain that they do not face any difficulty if such situation arises.
“There is no need to fear as everything is under control in these villages. The villages are not being evacuated. One should not believe such rumours and fake information on social media,” said Shivdular Singh Dhillon, who has recently assumed charge as deputy commission of Amritsar.
He presided over a special meeting here with officials of other departments and asked them to maintain database of the border area to meet any eventuality. He also asked them to be extra alert in this hour, when people need their help, and build confidence among them.
Notably, movement of army units near border has created a panic among the villagers.
When contacted, Gursimran Singh Dhillon, sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Dera Baba Nanak of Gurdaspur district, where Kartarpur Corridor is being built, said they are gearing up to prevent any hassle at the
eleventh hour.
The situation is peaceful but we are on high alert and ready to handle any eventuality. Entire police force has been put on operational duties . MUKHWINDER SINGH CHINNA, IG Ferozepur range
BUSINESS AS USUAL IN FEROZEPUR VILLAGES
After spending a day in anxiety, it was business as usual for the residents of border areas on Wednesday even as there were movements of security forces.
“We have been witnessing such situations for years and will not leave our homes,” said Jaswant Singh, 76, of Rajjo Ke Ghatti village, which is only a kilometre away from the Indopakistan border.
Villagers said they had not heard the ‘azaan’ from villages on the Pakistani side, pointing to the possibility of evacuation.
The Retreat ceremony at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur and Sadqi border joint check post in Fazilka took place normally even as less number of visitors turned up.
“Situation is peaceful but we are on high alert and ready to handle any eventuality. Entire police force has been put on operational duties while patrolling in the border area has been intensified,” said inspector general of police (IGP Ferozepur range) Mukhwinder Singh Chinna.