GIVE BEFITTING REPLY TO PAK, SAYS CAPT IN HOUSE
Proceedings adjourned in solidarity with CRPF men killed in Pulwama terror attack
The Punjab Vidhan Sabha proceedings on Friday were adjourned for the day in solidarity with the Central Reserve Police Force personnel killed in a terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh moved the resolution, which was passed unanimously. Asking the Centre to give a “befitting reply”, the CM blamed Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa of planning the “heinous” act.
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Vidhan Sabha proceedings on Friday were adjourned for the day in solidarity with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel killed in a terror attack at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.
When the House opened for the day’s business, Akali legislator Bikram Singh Majithia proposed to bring a resolution for adjournment, following which the proceedings were adjourned for half an hour at 10:03am.
When the proceedings resumed, Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh moved the resolution, which was passed unanimously.
Asking the Centre to give a “befitting reply”, the CM blamed Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa of planning the “heinous” act.
Terming Pakistan premier Imran Khan an Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) puppet, Amarinder, while proposing the resolution, said Khan was doubledealing at Bajwa’s behest — placating the Sikhs by announcing to open a university in the name of Guru Nanak on the one hand and promoting terror activities in J&K on the other.
‘PUNJAB READY FOR ANY EVENTUALITY’
The CM said there are reports that Pakistan is trying to create trouble in Punjab, where as many as 28 terror modules had been busted in recent months. He said the Referendum 2020 proposed by the US-based Sikhs for Justice was also working at the ISI’s behest as part of its continued attempts to disturb peace in Punjab.
“They (Pakistan) want to connect Punjabi extremists with Kashmiri militant outfits to create trouble in Punjab. But I throw them a challenge that our 81,000-strong police force, which has been baptised in fire during terrorism days in the state, is ready to face any eventuality from across the border,” Amarinder announced in the House.
‘TIME TO TALK PEACE IS OVER’
Calling the Pulwama suicide bombing a shameful act, Amarinder questioned as to what was the fault of the brave soldiers and their families. “I have said this several times that if you (Pakistan) want to shake hands with India, peace must prevail,” he said.
Remembering the sacrifice of the CRPF personnel, four of whom were from Punjab, the CM said the time for “talking peace” was over. “The Centre should understand the ulterior designs of Pakistan,” he said, while offering condolences to the families of those killed.
STILL HOPEFUL ABOUT KARTARPUR CORRIDOR
However, the CM hoped the attack won’t impact the opening of Kartarpur Corridor and reiterated his plea for visa-free visit for Sikhs to the holy place in Pakistan on Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary.
“I am confident the corridor would be well protected, but there is a need for a change in Pakistan’s attitude if peace between the two countries is to be promoted,” he said.
Speaking on the resolution, leader of opposition Harpal Singh Cheema demanded ₹1 crore ex gratia and a job for the next of kin of the four deceased victims from Punjab. The CM, while replying to a query from mediapersons outside the House, gave a positive response to this proposal.
Meanwhile, Majithia said the CM had spoken like a soldier and a true Indian. “Such a tragedy had never occurred before,” said Majithia, while requesting the House that the condemnation of Pakistan and its PM be placed on record.
SESSION EXTENDED TILL FEBRUARY 25
After the Vidhan Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day, the business advisory committee led by speaker Rana KP Singh decided to extend the ongoing budget session by another day, till February 25.
Earlier, the ongoing session was to end on February 22. No business will be conducted on February 23 and 24 as its a weekend.
The budget will be presented, according to the present schedule, on February 18. As February 19 is a holiday, the business in the House that was fixed for February 15 will now be taken up on February 20.
This is second extension to the session. Earlier, on Thursday, the Vidhan Sabha decided to extend the session by a day after the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) took up the matter with the speaker.