The Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today described the success of the Punjab Police operation against terrorists at Dina Nagar as "a victory for the nation" and a major gain for peace, and communal harmony."The Chief Minister also hailed the "exemplary bravery and patriotic fervour" displayed by members of the Punjab Police in dealing with an extremely dangerous challenge posed by these terrorists.Addressing a special convened meeting of the Ministers at his residence here this evening, the Chief Minister said that with its courageous and highly professional conduct, the men in uniform led by the Punjab Police Chief Sumedh Singh succeeded in limiting the magnitude of the damage and pre-empting "a colossal tragedy."
The Chief Minister described the members of the police force who lost their lives as "martyrs to the cause of peace and patriotism." He especially praised the acts of patriotic bravery displayed by Mr. Baljit Singh, the SP (D) Gurdaspur and other members of the police team and home guards team.The Chief Minister had a special word of praise for the brave and unflinching support and cooperation given by the people of Dina Nagar during this operation. “Their cooperation, courage and commitment to peace is a big factor in the success of the operation. I thank and congratulate every citizen of the town”, said Mr. Badal. He also thanked the army and other para-military forces for the support and cooperation extended by them during the operation.
In a resolution, the meeting of "strongly condemned the terror attack and described it as ‘ inhuman and dastardly act’ by the enemies of the country who were bent upon disturbing the hard earned atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the state and weakening national integrity. "Meanwhile, Mr Harcharan Bains, Advisor to the Chief Minister on National Affairs told the media that the next of kin of each member of the Punjab Police who lost their lives in the operation would be given government job. In addition, the bereaved families would also be given financial assistance to the tune of Rs.10 lakh each.Similarly, one member of each civilian who lost his life in the terrorist attack would also be given government job and financial assistance to the tune of Rs. five lakh each.
The Government would bear the entire medical cost incurred on the treatment of all those injured in this terrorist attack, said Mr Bains .The meeting of Ministers also placed on record its great appreciation of the exemplary courage shown by Shri Nanak Chand, the Punjab Roadways driver who showed extraordinary presence of mind and bravery in steering the passengers to safety. He would be honoured at the Independence Day function with a State Award for bravery. His name would also be recommended for the Gallantry Award for civilians to be conferred by the Government of India. The meeting also passed a resolution "saluting the valour, dedication today and selfless devotion to the patriotic values" displayed by members of the Punjab Police during an extremely difficult, dangerous and critical hour.
The meeting expressed "its pain and deepest sorrow over the loss of human lives in this ‘inhuman and heinous act’.Two minute silence was also observed in the memory of the departed souls as a mark of respect and expressed profound grief and sorrow over their sad demise.
They especially deeply mourned the tragic death of SP (Detective) Gurdaspur Mr. Baljit Singh who attained martyrdom along with four other police officials in this operation, which lasted for more than 11 hours besides the killing of three civilians. The meeting prayed to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to these departed souls and give courage to the members of these bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss in this hour of grief.The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Ministers Jathedar Tota Singh, Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar, Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal besides BJP State Unit president Mr. Kamal Sharma, Political Advisor to Chief Minister Mr. Tiksan Sud and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Harmeet Singh Sandhu.