Capt assures safe environment for industrial growth

Tribune News Service
Mohali, December 5

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today said his government was committed to providing a safe and stable environment for industry. He was speaking at the keynote session on the first day of the Progressive Punjab Investors Summit (PPIS) 2019 here on Thursday.

He sent out a stern warning to Pakistan and anti-social elements within the state against any attempt to destabilise Punjab. “Behave, or be prepared for the consequences,” the CM warned the neighbouring country and miscreants “trying to disturb” the peaceful environment of the state, which offers industry a congenial environment for development.

He said he had issued clear directions to the Punjab Police to handle any internal or external threat with an iron hand. On Pakistan’s recent attempts to create trouble in Punjab, he said they had been successfully pushed back by the police, which had neutralised the various groups allegedly infiltrated into the state by the Pakistan army-backed ISI.

“Pakistan has its own problems, but I won’t let them make their problems my problem,” asserted the Chief Minister, pointing out that 28 terror modules had been busted and more than 100 ISI-backed terrorists had been arrested by the Punjab Police in the last two years. “We will not let them mess around with us,” he declared.

Captain Amarinder said he believed that while Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan wanted peace, his country’s army, in its desperation to remain relevant, was calling the shots and obstructing efforts for peace. “But they have to understand that they and their country are doomed if they do not change their ways. The Pakistan Army will have to play ball if they have to feed their people and save their country,” he said.

He said eliminating gangsterism was another priority and 1,200 of them had already been arrested. “They (gangsters) should lay down their arms or they will have to face the consequences,” he warned. He said his government had also abolished truck unions to provide a safe environment for industry to operate. Steps were also being taken to ensure women safety so that women could take up industrial jobs and do night shifts, said the Chief Minister.