Punjab Police Fully Geared Up to Ensure Free, Fair and Peaceful Lok Sabha Polls: DGP Gaurav Yadav
Chandigarh [India], March 17: A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for the General Elections 2024, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, mentioned that Punjab Police is fully geared up to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections in the border state.
Polling for the general elections in Punjab is scheduled to take place in the last phase of the polls on June 1.
DGP Gaurav Yadav, along with Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, virtually briefed all senior police officers from headquarters to assess the security arrangements in the state ahead of the general elections.
With the Model Code of Conduct coming into effect following the election dates announcement, DGP Yadav emphasized strict adherence to all aspects of the code and compliance with guidelines from the Election Commission of India to facilitate free and fair elections.
Furthermore, a special campaign has been initiated to apprehend proclamation offenders (POs) and parole jumpers, execute non-bailable warrants (NBWs), and crack down on the sale of illicit liquor, narcotics, and psychotropic substances. The deposition of weapons in line with ECI norms has also been mandated by DGP Yadav.
Special DGP Arpit Shukla elaborated on the heightened security measures across the state, stressing the importance of conducting police force audits and deploying 75% of the force for election duty. He highlighted the vigilance against anti-social elements, flag marches, intensified checks at interstate borders, and the deployment of 25 companies of Central Armed Police Forces in vulnerable areas.
As preparations intensify for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Punjab, the Punjab Police is steadfast in ensuring a secure environment for citizens to exercise their voting rights.