State faced highest drone attacks in three days: Guv

Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Saturday said the state accounted for the highest number of drone attacks from Pakistan over the past three days, with Chandigarh also being a target and remaining on high alert.

‘Chandigarh was on target’

Chandigarh was on target… drones were fired. Drones were also fired at the defence installations in Pathankot, Amritsar and Gurdaspur. — Gulab Chand Kataria, punjab governor

“These attempts by the neighbouring country were successfully thwarted. Though a ceasefire between India and Pakistan has been announced, Punjab will continue to maintain a high level of preparedness for any eventuality, as the ‘enemy’ cannot be trusted,” Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

They made the remarks after jointly holding a meeting of representatives of all political parties in Punjab.

“The maximum number of drones launched by Pakistan were aimed at Punjab, but our armed forces were successful in intercepting most of these and ensured that no harm was caused. Chandigarh was on target… drones were fired. Drones were also fired at the defence installations in Pathankot, Amritsar and Gurdaspur,” Kataria added.

“I thank the armed forces and salute them for their bravery and the people of Punjab for supporting the larger interests of the country. This fight was fought by the people of Punjab with the armed forces. The way people in villages prepared food and served to the armed forces went on to boost their morale,” he added.

Chief Minister Mann said Punjab would continue to be in a state of full preparedness till the security forces advised them otherwise. “We had sought the Centre’s clearance to install anti-drone systems along the border and the Centre gave us its approval yesterday,” Mann said.

He said since all religions preach peace and humanity, leaders of all religions, who came for a Sarv Dharam meeting, reiterated that the country and its security come first. They gave an assurance to spread the message of social harmony among all religions.

At the all-party meeting, attended by BJP state president Sunil Jakhar, Congress leaders Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Randeep Nabha and Brahm Mohindra, SAD leaders Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Daljit Singh Cheema, BSP leader Avtar Singh Karimpuri, all leaders jointly pressed for approaching the Prime Minister together and seek an economic package for the state.

Mann chipped in saying that Punjab had been at the forefront of any conflict with a hostile neighbour and deserved a special package. “It will instill confidence in minds of industry and investors to invest in Punjab,” added Mann.