Chandigarh: After suspending public transport services for Monday (April 02), the Punjab Government further ordered a security clampdown across the state in view of Monday’s bandh. In an official release, the Punjab government said that the Indian Army and Indian Paramilitary forces are told to remain on alert, and all educational institutions and banks to remain closed.
Mobile Internet Services Suspended in Punjab:
Capt. Amarinder Singh has also suspended all mobile internet services from 5.00 pm on Sunday (April 1) till Monday (April 2) evening.
The orders were issued after Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh reviewed the security arrangements with top police and administrative officials here on Sunday evening. The review was followed by a video conference by the Chief Secretary with the Deputy Commissioners and other senior officials of all the districts.
Giving details of the arrangements made by the government, the spokesperson said four battalions of RAF and 4 of BSF, along with 12000 additional police personnel will remain on duty tomorrow in wake of Bandh called by the so-termed SC community in response to the dilution of SC/ST Atrocities Act.
PRTC, Punjab Roadways and PunBus, as well as buses run by private operators, would not ply on the roads through the bandh duration, the spokesperson added.
All Schools, Colleges, Universities Closed:
According to an order issued by the DPI (Colleges), all the educational institutions, including the government colleges, government aided colleges, private colleges, state and private universities, will remain closed tomorrow on April 2, 2018, as a precautionary measure, in view of the bandh call given by some organizations. Likewise, all the government, non-government/private aided, aided and recognized schools would also remain closed tomorrow.
EXAMs Postponed:
The final practical examinations of Class X and XII of Punjab School Education Board, which were scheduled to be held tomorrow, will now be held on April 11, as per the directives issued by the Education Department.
Tackle the Situation with Iron Hand: CM Amarinder Singh to Police
The statement says that CM has issued directions to the police to deal with the situation with “iron hand”.
Don’t Impede Transport As it could Disrupt Indian Army’s Supply of Arms to Border: Capt. Amarinder Singh Tells Protesters
The Chief Minister, however, urged the protestors not to take the law in their own hands and, in particular, not to impede transport movement in any way.
“With Punjab a key route for transportation of essential provisions to the armed forces at the borders, any disruption on the highways could seriously hamper the supply of the necessary supplies”, a statement issued by CM’s office quote Capt. Amarinder Singh.
Captain Amarinder Singh also appealed to the protestors to ensure that the mortal remains of the Iraq victims, that are expected to arrive in Amritsar tomorrow, are allowed to be transported to their native villages without any impediment. He also directed the Punjab Police to provide strict security for the same along the routes, from the airport to the respective native villages of the victims.
Noting that the Government of India had already announced its decision to file a review petition against the Supreme Court verdict, the Chief Minister said the SC/ST community should defer its protest till the final decision on the petition comes.
DMs Authorised to Declare Any Place As Jail:
Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs, Justice and Jails has issued a notification, in pursuance of the provisions of the sub clause 1, 2 and 3 of clause 6 of the Punjab Jail manual, the Punjab Government, authorizing all the District Magistrates in the state to declare any place to be a Special Jail under the Punjab Jail Manual in view of the bandh call.
The District Magistrate shall, while using this authorization, ensure compliance of all provisions of the Prisons Act 1894 and Jail Manual Punjab through Superintendent of Jail of their respective District. Necessary arrangements would be made by the District Magistrates in consultation with the concerned Departments as well as the Superintendents of Jail within their District, as per the orders.
The government has also appointed Special Executive Magistrates for the maintenance of law and order, up to April 3, 2018, in their respective districts under section 21 of the CrPC.