As per the latest review of Election Commission (EC), 900 gunmen have been sent back to policing duties. With this move total 1200 gunmen in total have been withdrawn from politicians after the implementation of the model code of conduct.
With the development of this rule in Chandigarh, VK Bhawra, who is the nodal police officer on Wednesday, said that he along with ADGP Security & Intelligence were part of the committee which carried out the review. After this strict move of EC, unauthorized gunmen beyond the sanctioned limits and security personnel were come under critical observation.
In further Election Commission move, nine SHOs, chowki-incharges from the Punjab Armed Police and Intelligence Wing have been removed from their posts and sent back to their original cells. Around 25 vehicles apportioned for such political officials have also been withdrawn in this regard. The Chief Election Commissioner, Naseem Zaidi, mentioned on his recent visit that the commission had recognised complaints from several political parties that these appointees were dismissing norms.
Bhawra also said that many candidates, especially from AAP, are not taking the security provided to them. Bhawra also said “The respective SSPs have been told to request such candidates to take security. There have been such instances in Khanna and Amritsar. We are giving three security personal to candidates from recognised parties and two to other candidates”. Till now 3 lakh licensed weapons have been submitted by the license holders to the police armouries and gunhouses which is about 80 % of the total weaponry in the state by private persons.
