Recognizing the gallantry deed of the slain SP (Detective) Baljit Singh who laid down his life in the Dinanagar terror attack, the Punjab government has decided to appoint his son as Deputy Superintendent of Police besides allowing ex-gratia grant of Rs.25 lac to his bereaved family.This decision was taken by the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with senior officers of the civil and police administration here at Chief Minister’s Residence this evening. Similarly, all the police personnel and civilians injured in the counter insurgency operation would be given an ex-gratia grant of Rs.3 lac each. Apart from this, the entire expenditure on their treatment even in the private hospitals would be borne by the state government. The Chief Minister also asked the State Home Department to recommend the case of awarding President Police Medal for gallantry posthumously to SP (D) Baljit Singh, who attained martyrdom in the terror attack besides of Inspector Balbir Singh and Head Constable Tara Singh too, in recognition with their unprecedented bravery and highly professional conduct, to the Government of India for safeguarding the nation’s integrity and sovereignty. Saluting the valor, dedication, selfless devotion and patriotic values displayed by members of the Punjab Police, the Chief Minister allowed the family members of the policemen killed in this operation to draw full pay till the time of their superannuation.
Badal also said that all the children of the policemen, who lost their lives in this terror attack, would be imparted education free of cost to help the distressed families in this hour of grief. Appreciating 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, the Chief Minister decided to honour him at the state level Independence Day function with the State Award besides giving financial assistance to the tune of Rs.2 lac. His name would also be recommended for the Gallantry Award for civilians to be conferred by the Government of India.Lauding the enormous contribution of Punjab police especially of SWAT Commandos while making a statement in the Parliament on Dinanagar terror attack, the Union Home Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh today praised their act of bravery, unparalleled commitment, dedication and fortitude with which the Punjab Police countered this terror attack valiantly.
The Chief Minister also asked the DGP to place on record the appreciation in their service record of policemen for exemplary courage, professional commitment and dedication displayed by them during their call of duty, as it would not only boost the morale of Police force but also inspire others to emulate their gallantry deeds and heroic traditions of state police. It may be recalled that the Punjab police has already issued appointment letters for the job of Constable offered to one member of each family of three Punjab home guards, who were killed in the terror attack. Similarly, one member of each civilian who lost his life in the terror attack would also be given government job.