Chandigarh: The Punjab Government on Thursday ordered the transfer of two Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, making a key change in the state’s border policing setup by appointing senior IPS officer Harmanbir Singh as the new Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Border Range, Amritsar.
The transfer orders were issued by the Department of Home Affairs as part of an administrative reshuffle within the Punjab Police.
Harmanbir Singh Takes Over Border Range, Amritsar
According to the official order, Harmanbir Singh (IPS: 2010 batch) has been transferred from his current posting as DIG, Punjab Armed Police (PAP), Jalandhar, and posted as DIG, Border Range, Amritsar.
The Border Range is one of the most strategically important police formations in Punjab due to its proximity to the international border with Pakistan. The range plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order, coordinating with border security agencies, combating cross-border smuggling, and addressing security challenges in the border districts.
With this posting, Harmanbir Singh assumes charge of a key operational assignment within the Punjab Police.
Vivek Sheel Soni Relieved from Border Range
The government order stated that Vivek Sheel Soni (IPS: 2011 batch), who was serving as DIG, Border Range, Amritsar, has been relieved from the post.
He has been directed to report to the Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab, pending further posting orders from the state government.
No immediate replacement assignment has been announced for Soni.
Administrative Reorganization in Punjab Police
The latest transfer order is part of the Punjab Government’s ongoing efforts to streamline police administration and optimize deployment of senior officers across key positions.
Such transfers are periodically undertaken to strengthen field-level leadership, improve operational efficiency, and meet evolving law-and-order and security requirements.
Given the strategic significance of the Amritsar Border Range, the appointment of a senior officer with extensive policing experience is being viewed as an important administrative move.
Focus on Border Security
The Border Range remains a critical policing zone in Punjab due to challenges related to narcotics trafficking, drone-based smuggling attempts, organized crime, and border security concerns.
The new appointment is expected to further strengthen coordination among Punjab Police units and security agencies operating in the border districts.
With Harmanbir Singh taking charge and Vivek Sheel Soni awaiting a fresh assignment, the latest reshuffle marks another significant change in Punjab’s senior police leadership structure.
