Border belt to get anti-drone tech in a year, says Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit

GS Paul

Amritsar, July 24

Expressing concern over frequent drone intrusions from across the border for smuggling of drugs and arms, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit today declared that the entire belt bordering Pakistan would be equipped with anti-drone technology to check infiltration.

“An antidote to drone problem has to be there. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs is very serious about it and I have been informed that the stretch bordering Pakistan will have anti-drone technology within a year,” he said.

Tyre burst: 3 security personnel injured

• Three cops deputed in the security of Governor Banwarilal Purohit suffered minor injuries after their vehicle hit the road divider following a tyre burst
• The injured were identified as Vikas Upadhaya, Rakesh Kumar, both CRPF jawans, and Kushal Singh of the Chandigarh Police
• The incident occurred while the Governor’s cavalcade was moving towards Gharinda during his visit to border villages in Amritsar and Tarn Taran

He said the prevalence of drug menace impelled him to make multiple visits to border areas, hold discussions with security personnel and community representatives to get feedback on the issue.

He underscored the importance of active community participation and collaboration between law-enforcement agencies and local residents. During his almost three-year stint, it was the Governor’s sixth visit to the border districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Pathankot, Ferozepur and Fazilka.

He announced cash prizes of Rs 3 lakh, Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh for top three drug-free villages. “Today, I announce these special prizes out of my discretionary fund. Punjab is land of Gurus. I am afraid about its future. Together we should save at least our next generation from this menace. Every soul ought to raise voice against it,” he said.

The Governor expressed satisfaction over improvement in security channels and coordination between the BSF, Army, police, local administration and the VDC members, including panches and sarpanches, in dealing with the drug menace.

He also emphasised on constituting a special panel of lawyers to deal with drug cases in various courts. “I have directed that the best of the police personnel be deputed to present drug cases in courts. The culprits should not enjoy immunity at any cost,” he said.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said anyone helping the police in capturing a drone coming from across the border would get a reward of Rs 1 lakh. Those who did so in the past would also be rewarded, he added. He also gave Rs 3.5 lakh grant to the youth clubs of Dhanoy, Modoke and Atalgarh border villages.