DW Bureau | Ludhiana: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday asked the Police officers to gear up for ensuring free, fair and peaceful conduct of the ensuing general elections.

The Chief Minister, while chairing a meeting with the top brass of the Police along with Inspector Generals, Commissioners of Police and Senior Superintendent of Police, said that the smooth and hassle free conduct of these polls are imperative so that the people can exercise their franchise freely. He said that elections are a celebration of democracy and every effort must be made to ensure that people participate in these polls without any fear. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Police authorities must make elaborate arrangements for this purpose and no stone should be left unturned for this noble cause.

The Chief Minister also asked the Police officers to coordinate with all the major stakeholders including the political parties for peaceful conduct of these polls. He said that a sense of security and safety must prevail amongst these political parties so that they can take part in these elections enthusiastically. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Constitution of India stipulates equal opportunity for all the political parties to take part in elections and it should be adhered to by all means.

Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister said that to assist the Punjab Police several companies of Para Military Force will be arriving in the state soon. He said that these forces are ignorant about the tradition, beliefs and customs of the state, so the Punjab Police should lead them to ensure that religious sentiments of people are not hurt. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it must be given utmost importance as the sentiments of people are of paramount importance to maintain law and order in the state.

The Chief Minister also asked the Police officers to make sure that proper coordination and synchronisation is maintained between civil and Police administration both at district and state level. He said that it is necessary for the smooth conduct of the election process in the state, adding that it will be very beneficial for the entire administration. Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that the Police should launch a massive drive to check the scourge of illegal weapons in the state and exemplary action must be taken against individuals having such weapons.

The Chief Minister also said that the process of depositing license weapons across the state should also be expedited and completed well before the polls. He said that it is the need of hour to hold peaceful polls in the state adding that any laxity in this task is undesirable. Bhagwant Singh Mann also asked the officers to make sure that poll bulletins are issued at regular intervals so as to keep people abreast about the ongoing developments in the field.

The Chief Minister also said that rumour mongers must be dealt with severely during the polls and various platforms of social and electronic media must be utilised to counter the canards, if any. He also expressed hope that the Hi-tech vehicles provided to the Police forces recently will further enhance the efficiency of the force and they will be able to tackle the situation far more effectively. Bhagwant Singh Mann also batted for installation of CCTVs at all the vulnerable points in the districts especially at the nakas of the force. / DW