Capt rejects demand for DGP’s dismissal

CHANDIGARH: A day after the opposition AAP and SAD-BJP legislators disrupted the House proceedings over director general of police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta’s comments on the Kartarpur Corridor, Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh rejected their demand for the former’s dismissal, stating that he had tendered an apology.

“Anybody can make mistake; even I make mistakes. He (DGP) has already a po log is ed for his mistake. This issue is over ,” Am arin der said on the floor of the House on Tuesday. The CM made the statement after seeking time from speaker Rana KP Singh as soon as the members assembled on the third day of the budget session.

Gupta had, in a statement that appeared in a section of the media, questioned Pakistan’s intent in agreeing to throw open the Kartarpur Corridor, besides terming the visa-free passage for Sikh pilgrims a huge security challenge from terrorism point of view. Though he expressed his “sincere regret” on Sunday night, the opposition stalled the House the next day, demanding a statement from the CM who was not present.

The CM, while making the statement, also lashed out at Pakistan spy agency ISI for running camps to train terrorists and foment trouble in Punjab. He said the Punjab Police had busted 32 modules, arrested 154 terrorists and seized 197 rifles and pistols, 35 hand grenades and 3.5 kg of RDX in three years.

“I am not saying pilgrims bring all this, but we cannot believe Pakistan army as they have imposed wars of 1947, 1965 and 1971, and Kargil on us. We have to be on our toes,” he told the House

CM TRASHES CHARGES AGAINST ASHU

Amarinder also downplayed the allegations levelled by a suspended deputy superintendent of police (DSP) that food and civil supplies minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu had harboured two Khalistani militants 28 years ago, stating the minister was acquitted in the case.

“He (DSP) tried to carry out a media trial on baseless charges. If the ongoing departmental inquiry against the suspended DSP finds him guilty, I will ensure his dismissal under Article 311,” he said.

AAP and SAD members continued their protest and kept demanding the minister’s dismissal.