Chandigarh: Following a violent attack on a Punjab Armed Police (PAP) jawan in Tarn Taran district and the snatching of his service rifle, Punjab Police has issued a security advisory directing personnel to avoid travelling alone and to remain armed while on duty-related movement.
The advisory was communicated through a video conference with police personnel across the state after concerns emerged over potential threats to the life and property of police employees.
Advisory Issued After Rifle Snatching Incident
The security alert comes in the wake of an incident at Harike Pattan in Tarn Taran district, where unidentified suspects allegedly attacked a PAP jawan and snatched his Self-Loading Rifle (SLR).
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According to officials, the incident occurred around 1.30 am on Saturday when PAP jawan Sukhwinder Singh, posted at Harike Pattan, was assaulted by the attackers.
Following the attack, Singh sustained injuries and was shifted to a medical facility in Faridkot for treatment.
The incident has raised concerns within the police department regarding the safety of personnel, particularly those deployed in sensitive and border areas.
DGP Gaurav Yadav Directs Preventive Measures
In response to the incident, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, an IPS officer of 1992 batch, reportedly advised senior officers to ensure that personnel take all necessary preventive and proactive measures to safeguard themselves.
According to officials familiar with the developments, the DGP stressed the need for heightened vigilance and personal security among police personnel.
The advisory was conveyed to the rank and file through a video conference, with instructions aimed at reducing vulnerabilities and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Police Personnel Asked Not to Travel Alone
As part of the advisory, police personnel have been instructed not to travel alone, especially in vulnerable locations and during odd hours.
Officers have also been directed to carry their service weapons while moving outside for official duties.
A Station House Officer (SHO), speaking on condition of anonymity, said police personnel had been clearly instructed to exercise caution.
“We have been strictly advised to ensure we don’t go out alone. We must also carry our weapons,” the officer said.
The instructions are intended to strengthen personal security measures for officers and reduce the risk of targeted attacks.
Additional Precautions in Border Areas
Officials indicated that personnel posted in border districts had already been operating under enhanced security protocols.
Police personnel stationed in border areas were previously advised against travelling alone in uniform. Instead, they were instructed to leave their residences in civilian clothes and change into uniform only after reaching their respective police stations.
The precautionary measure was introduced to avoid making personnel easily identifiable while commuting and to reduce potential security risks.
Investigation Underway
Police are continuing their investigation into the Harike Pattan incident and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the suspects involved in the attack and rifle snatching.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges faced by police personnel deployed in sensitive regions and has prompted the department to reinforce safety measures across the force.
Senior officers are expected to closely monitor compliance with the new advisory while reviewing additional security protocols to protect personnel working in vulnerable areas.
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