Gurpreet Singh :- Launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Central Government, Aam Aadmi Party’s chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Thursday questioned the timing of terror-related incidents and explosions occurring during election periods. Addressing a press conference in Amritsar, Dhaliwal alleged that incidents creating fear and panic repeatedly surface whenever the country heads towards Lok Sabha or Assembly elections.
Referring to past incidents such as Pulwama, Pathankot and Dinanagar, Dhaliwal said several major terror attacks took place around election time, resulting in the loss of lives of security personnel and civilians. He alleged that an atmosphere of fear is often created to gain political mileage, while investigations into such incidents rarely reach a transparent conclusion before the public.
Questions raised over border security and drone activity
The AAP leader also cornered the Centre over increasing drone activity along the Punjab border. He said despite repeated requests by the Punjab Government, modern anti-drone systems and advanced surveillance equipment have not been adequately provided to security forces deployed in border areas.
Dhaliwal cited the recent recovery of weapons allegedly dropped through drones in Pathankot and termed it a serious threat to national security. He questioned how such activities continue despite heavy deployment along the international border.
‘Truth will not be silenced by defamation notices’
Reacting to the defamation notice sent by BJP leader Tarun Chugh to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Dhaliwal said the notice would be answered legally, but it would not stop the party from raising questions. He maintained that the BJP must explain why incidents involving bombs and explosions tend to rise during politically sensitive periods.
He also objected to remarks made against AAP legislators, saying elected representatives cannot be insulted in such a manner and the matter would be raised before the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker.
Akali Dal criticised over sacrilege law debate
On the issue of the anti-sacrilege legislation, Dhaliwal accused the Shiromani Akali Dal of remaining absent during the Assembly debate on the proposed law. He said the legislation was drafted after consultations with Sikh scholars, religious organisations and representatives of the Sant Samaj.
AAP government committed to action against drugs and gangsters
Dhaliwal asserted that the Punjab Government remains committed to cracking down on drugs, gangster networks and anti-national activities. He said the state government would continue taking strict action to maintain peace and security in Punjab while exposing forces attempting to disturb communal harmony and public order.
