Punjab: CM Badal says Army meant for operations 'bigger' than Gurdaspur

Kapurthala, Jul 29: Amid criticism over Army not being given the charge of the operation against terrorists in Gurdaspur, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today said Army and Paramilitary forces are meant for "bigger operations" and hailed the state police for its performance.

He said Punjab Police has shown that it is fully capable of dealing with such a situation at any point of time.

"Army and Paramilitary forces are meant for bigger operations. In case the situation (had) warranted their involvement, then the state government would not have hesitated to hand over the command of counter insurgency operation to the Army," Badal said here.

His comments came amid criticism by experts over the Army not being given the charge to take on the three terrorists who were holed up in Dina Nagar police station on Monday.

An Army unit had reached the venue soon after the terrorists struck but it only had a peripheral role while the Punjab Police and its commando unit SWAT carried out the operation.

Experts have opined that the Army would have finished the operation much quicker than 12 hours which it took. Badal said the "finer" details of Monday's operation in Gurdaspur will be examined to see if there is a need for modernisation of the force.

"This operation has given an opportunity to reassess the situation and overcome our weaknesses and follies, if any. We will certainly take stock of the entire situation and examine the finer details of operation so as to undertake modernization of the police force, if needed," he said.

"The terror attack might have resulted in a far more grave tragedy having severe implications in terms of mass casualties and heavy destruction. ... The impending huge loss has been averted due to the swift action and alertness on the part of our brave force," the Chief Minister said.

He made the comments after meeting the family members of Baljit Singh, the Superintendent of Police who died in the terrorist attack at Dina Nagar police station, and paid his last respects to the martyr by laying wreath on his body.

PTI