Punjab Chief Minister Directs Comprehensive Review of Firearms Licenses Statewide
In a significant move to bolster law and order, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered a thorough review of all firearms licenses across the state. Chairing a high-level meeting with senior police officers on Thursday, Mann emphasized the critical need to prevent the misuse of licensed weapons, particularly in the context of the ongoing crackdown on organized crime and drug trafficking.
Immediate Action Following Anti-Crime Drive
The directive comes just one day after Punjab Police concluded Operation Prahaar-II, a rigorous 72-hour anti-crime initiative conducted as part of the broader 'Ganstraan Te Vaar' campaign. This operation targeted criminal elements across the state, setting the stage for enhanced security measures.
During the review meeting, which included police commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Mann instructed both civil and police administrations to initiate the license review process immediately. He issued a clear mandate: "If any arms licence is used for some crime, district authorities must immediately cancel that licence." This statement underscores the government's zero-tolerance policy towards weapon misuse.
Strengthening Enforcement and Accountability
Reasserting an uncompromising stance against drugs and organized crime, the Chief Minister called on police leadership to escalate enforcement efforts. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the rule of law prevails without exception throughout Punjab. Mann highlighted that his administration has moved away from the previous practice of registering politically motivated cases, maintaining a firm policy of zero patronage for criminal elements.
To address modern security challenges, Mann noted that the police force is being equipped with enhanced resources and training to operate independently. He emphasized the necessity for better coordination among departments, stricter accountability mechanisms, and tangible outcomes on the ground. "The work of every officer and official is under scrutiny, and they will be duly rewarded for their good work and will be held accountable for any sort of lapse," he declared, signaling a performance-driven approach.
Additionally, Mann pointed out that ongoing upgrades to human resources, vehicle fleets, and other infrastructure are being tailored to meet the evolving needs of the police department, ensuring they are well-prepared to tackle contemporary threats.
Focus on Education and Prevention in Vulnerable Areas
Beyond law enforcement, the Chief Minister advocated for proactive measures to check the school dropout rate, especially in drug hotspot areas and among vulnerable groups. He proposed integrating the education department into remedial efforts, stating, "The education department should be roped in to take remedial measures and check it. A career counselling programme should be started in these vulnerable areas and hotspots." This initiative aims to provide guidance and support to at-risk youth, potentially steering them away from criminal activities.
Overall, Mann's directives reflect a holistic strategy combining stringent law enforcement with preventive social measures to combat crime and enhance public safety in Punjab.
