Law

Chandigarh, May 18 (UNI) The Punjab Government today reiterated its commitment to maintain law and order in the State at all costs by taking required measures and by avoiding inter-community and inter-group clashes following the Dera Sacha Sauda controversy.

State Chief Secretary R I Singh today issued strict instructions to all Deputy Commissioners and district police chiefs to take all measures to maintain peace and communal harmony in the State. They have been asked to ban carrying of firearms at public places. They have also been directed to impose ban orders prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons under section 144 CrPC. The District Magistrates and SSPs have been instructed to keep constant watch on anti-social elements.

Underlining the need for involving members of all political parties, social organisations and prominent people, the government has directed the district authorities to hold meetings of peace committees in the district and at sub divisional towns to seek their support and cooperation to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal earlier in the morning reviewed the law and order situation in the state in which Home Secretary and DGP participated.

UNI