Terming the violent clash between students and Police at Punjabi University Patiala on Thursday as an unfortunate incident, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said that he had already ordered an enquiry into the incident. Interacting with the media persons on the sidelines of a function organized to mark the 18th death anniversary of Subedar Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal, the father of Cabinet Minister Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra here today, the Chief Minister said that the incident of violence at university was absolutely undesirable and unwarranted. Mr. Badal said that he had asked the Deputy Commissioner to ascertain the causes and circumstances which led to this incident and submit the inquiry report. He said that if any Police Officer/ official have committed laxity in dealing with this incident then he/ she would not be spared and brought to book as per the law of the land.
The Chief Minister further said that maintaining law and order in the state was the top priority of the state government and all out efforts were being made in this regard. He said that the SAD-BJP government in the state has always upheld the ethos of communal harmony, peace and amity in the state due to which the Punjabis have time and again reposed their faith in its policies. Replying to a query, the Chief Minister said that in order to facilitate the cancer patients, the state government has taken a significant decision of providing cashless treatment facility to the patients in the prestigious hospitals across the state. He said that necessary guidelines have already been issued to the empanelled hospitals for ensuring timely treatment to the patients. Mr. Badal said that the entire expenditure on this scheme would be borne by the state government.
Later on paying rich tributes to Subedaar Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal, the Chief Minister recalled the outstanding services rendered by him towards nation as serving in Army. He said that life of Subedar Bapu Kartar Singh Dhaliwal would ever remain as a source of inspiration for the coming generations. Mr. Badal also lauded the philanthropic services rendered by Rakhra family to perpetuate the rich legacy of Bapu Kartar Singh by ensuring well being of all sections of society. Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, MLA Bibi Jagir Kaur, former Ministers Mr. Harmel Singh Tohra and Jathedar Hira Singh Gabria and SGPC Member Jathedar Kuldeep Singh.