Punjab Chief Minister Praises Police for Safeguarding Sukhbir Badal

Chandigarh, Dec 4 (NationPress) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday commended the Punjab Police for thwarting a well-planned scheme aimed at tarnishing Punjab's reputation by effectively averting an assault on Akali leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal in Amritsar.

While speaking to the press, the Chief Minister denounced the attack in the strongest possible terms, stating that there “is no place for such heinous acts at a revered site like Sri Harmandir Sahib.”

Mann mentioned that the government had already stationed around 175 police officers, including senior officials, to avert any potential disturbances. He noted that this strategy yielded positive results, as the police successfully disrupted a conspiracy aimed at damaging the state's reputation while maintaining an “eagle eye” around Sri Harmandir Sahib.

The Chief Minister emphasized that he is closely monitoring the situation and has instructed officials to remain vigilant against anti-social elements.

He has also directed the Director General of Police to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

“Punjab is a land rich in the legacy of gurus, saints, seers, and martyrs, and has always led humanity with its ideals of brotherhood and communal harmony,” he stated, adding, “maintaining the hard-earned peace in the state is my government's top priority, and no one will be permitted to disrupt it.”

Condemning the attempt on Sukhbir Singh Badal's life, Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh remarked that the incident represented not just an attack on Badal but an assault on a Darbar Sahib 'sevadar' who was engaged in ‘seva’.

He called for the AAP government in Punjab to conduct a thorough probe into the matter.

The assailant, Narain Singh Chaura, a Khalistan sympathizer and alleged former militant with numerous legal cases against him, reportedly attempted to shoot Sukhbir Singh Badal while he was on “punishment” guard duty outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

A video revealed Sukhbir Badal in a blue 'sewadar' uniform wielding a spear as the assailant drew a firearm at close range. Fortunately, police responded swiftly and subdued the attacker, with Badal escaping unharmed as the bullet struck a wall.

According to law enforcement, Chaura had fled to Pakistan in 1984 and played a significant role in smuggling weapons and explosives into Punjab during the early days of militancy. He was allegedly linked to the Khalistan Liberation Force and the Akal Federation. He is also wanted for cases related to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the districts of Amritsar, Tarn Taran, and Ropar.

While in Pakistan, he is said to have authored a book on guerrilla warfare and other “seditious” literature.