TERROR THREAT: CM DIRECTS POLICE TO REMAIN ON HIGH ALERT

CHANDIGARH:Chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday directed the police to remain on high alert ahead of Diwali following recent attempts by hardliners, backed by separatist forces in Punjab and other countries, to create trouble in the state.

The chief minister reviewed the law and order and security situation at a high-level meeting attended by senior officers, including director general of police (DGP) Suresh Arora.

The DGP shared details of the inputs and developments concerning the state, received from various sources. He also briefed the chief minister about the busting of a terrorist module of the Ansar Ghazwat Ul Hind (AGH) by the state police on November 3.

The chief minister directed the officials for a foolproof security at all vital places and market places. He further ordered the DGP to crack down on and to take immediate action against anyone found trying to create trouble in any way. It was the responsibility of the police to ensure safe Diwali for the people of Punjab, he added.

The Punjab home department has also issued detailed guidelines for district magistrates to prevent any untoward incident arising out of the sale or bursting of crackers during Diwali.

CRACKERS TO BE SOLD FROM 10AM TO 7.30PM

The district magistrates (DMs) have been asked to exercise powers under the Explosive Rules, 2008, under which crackers can be sold only between 10am and 7.30pm till November 7.

Temporary licences would be issued by the district magistrates and as per the directions of Punjab and Haryana high court, temporary licences were to be restricted to 20% of the licences issued in 2016.