- विज्ञापन -
Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to assess security arrangements in the state following the recent Pahalgam terror attack. He emphasized the need for enhanced security measures at all religious and public places throughout Punjab.
The meeting included top officials from the police and civil administration. Mann stated in a post on X in Punjabi, “We will not allow any compromise on national security. Strong security measures have already been implemented at all religious and public sites.”
He also noted that the presence of security forces has been increased in educational institutions. “It is our responsibility to ensure the safe return of Punjabis stranded in Jammu and Kashmir, and we are in constant contact with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The safety of the people of Punjab remains our top priority,” he added.
Punjab shares a lengthy border with Jammu and an international boundary with Pakistan. The Border Security Force (BSF) is on high alert, maintaining round-the-clock surveillance despite challenging weather and issues related to smuggling.
The Pahalgam terror attack, regarded as the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama bombing, coincides with the ongoing visit of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to India, as the tourist and trekking season gains momentum.
On Tuesday, at least 26 tourists lost their lives when gunmen opened fire on civilians in Baisaran, Jammu and Kashmir. Eyewitnesses reported that a group of heavily armed terrorists emerged from nearby forests and indiscriminately fired at the crowd, primarily targeting tourists.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Wednesday morning after abruptly shortening his trip to Saudi Arabia due to the terror attack. He held a brief meeting at the airport with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. PM Modi strongly condemned the attack, vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice and reaffirming India’s “unshakable” commitment to combating terrorism.
