DGP’s meeting: Agencies talk on ways to deal with Khalistan militancy
On the last day of the annual All India Conference of Directors General, some of the suggestions by intelligence agencies on ways to deal with Khalistan militancy such as renovating jails in Punjab, checking radical funding and stopping cross-border arms proliferation were discussed. Delhi Inspector General of Police, The Indian Express has learned.
Addressing the conference at the National Agricultural Science Complex in Pusa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said police forces should be made more sensitive and trained in emerging technologies while further strengthening traditional police mechanisms like foot patrolling. He also stressed on the importance of National Data Governance Framework to ease the exchange of data between agencies.
The Khalistan militancy emerged as a major security concern at the conference and was discussed by the Border Security Force, intelligence agencies, the National Investigation Agency and the Punjab Police. It was told that there has been an increase in arms smuggling from Pakistan and efforts are being made to destabilize Punjab by activating the Khalistan extremism front. Even NIA and Punjab Police in their investigation have found that terrorists based in Pakistan and abroad are using local gangsters to execute their terror plans.
The conference covered various aspects of policing and national security, including counter terrorism, counter insurgency and cyber security. Officials said Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, among others, attended the three-day meeting.
The BSF, which is responsible for guarding the 553-km-long tough and challenging India-Pakistan international border in Punjab, told the conference that its personnel had detected 22 drones, seized 316.988 kg of heroin, 67 weapons and 850 rounds . Incidents/Raids of the previous year. 2020 sees 47 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), 64 in 2021 and nearly 200 in 2022.
“It was suggested in the conference that to take strict action against Khalistan extremism they must first overhaul all the jails in Punjab and other associated states. They should also check radical funding as to who are the senders and receivers, clean up Indian cyberspace, shoot down more drones and curb arms proliferation,” said the source.
PM Modi suggested prison reforms to improve prison management and discussed strengthening of coastal security along the border by conducting frequent visits of officers. He suggested to replicate the model of DGP/IGP meeting at state and district levels to discuss emerging challenges and evolve best practices. The conference concluded with the presentation of Police Medals for Distinguished Services to the award winners.
,