Punjab DGP cites Pak Army Chief's Florida comments to caution rank and file to remain alert

Indian Express

19 hours ago

In his meetings with Police officers across Punjab for the past two days, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav has referred to the anti-India statements made by Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Florida, USA, and asked the Punjab Police officials to be alive to the inimical designs of the Pakistan Army on India and Punjab.
In the past 48 hours the DGP has been hotfooting across Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Patiala and Ludhiana holding meetings with with all 8 ranges, 28 CPs/SSPs, and SP/DSPs on security issues and getting feedback.
Munir had made several provocative statements about India during a black-tie dinner in Tampa, Florida, on August 10. According to reports, he issued a nuclear threat, stating, 'We are a nuclear nation, if we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us,'. He also addressed the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that Pakistan would destroy any dam India builds on the Indus River with 'ten missiles,'.
The DGP referred to the security situation on J&K and how in recent past Pakistan has attempted to create unrest in Punjab through sporadic violence carried out by terrorist groups and gangsters who are actively supported by its intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI).
'The DGP cautioned that there were continuous efforts being made by Pakistan to destabilise the security situation through gangs and separatist groups and that Munir's comments show where his focus lies and what plans he may have to inflict damage on India through over and covert means. The DGP pointed out that the ring leaders of all Punjab-centric violent groups were located in Pakistan and these groups had their vital nodes in that country too therefore it was necessary for Punjab Police to remain alert ,' the officer said.
The field officials were briefed by the DGP that it has been observed in the recent past that the Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) have become very desperate in Punjab and have been pressing their local contacts for some immediate 'action'. 'The district level officials were informed that the Pak intelligence agents have been very, very active and their desperation to carry out some destabilising event is recognised by the fact that they have started directly calling up their Indian contacts, especially in the border areas, ans asking them to 'do something',' a senior official said.
The DGP also touched upon inter-district coordination and modern policing and emphasised seamless coordination between districts, enhanced use of technology like CCTV and advanced surveillance systems. He also encouraged open discussions with SHOs to gather ground-level feedback, strengthening community welfare and operational efficiency. The meetings also underscored the focus to dismantling drug networks and acting decisively against organised crime and gangsters.