Capt Amarinder Singh hits out at Navjot Sidhu over remark on cops

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 27

Former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has hit out at PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu over his alleged comment on police force.

Figure of speech

It is a figure of speech to suggest someone wields authority. — Navjot Singh Sidhu, PCC Chief

In a tweet, Capt Amarinder said, “Sad to see our men in uniform being disrespected. 1,700 personnel sacrificed their lives to bring the state out of the dark days and now they are being mocked by Punjab Congress leaders and above all their president. A leader must give respect to earn respect. On the other hand officials are being transferred every day at the whims and fancies of Punjab Congress leaders. The Punjab Home Minister should know, it not only breaks the morale of the force but it’s also a clear signal that Congress leaders have no confidence in our men in uniform.”

Ludhiana MP Ravneet Bittu also criticised the statement and praised the police for their role in eliminating terrorism. Bittu, whose grandfather and then Chief Minister Beant Singh died in a blast in 1995, said: “Whatever has been said about the police, I seek apology…. I know it is the Punjab Police personnel, from senior IPS officer to the constable level, who did not care for their own lives and curbed terrorism with iron hand,” Bittu wrote on his Facebook page.

Sidhu had at a recent rally in Sultanpur Lodhi pointed towards sitting MLA Navtej Singh Cheema and said he could make a “thanedar (cop) wet his pants”. He repeated this remark at a Batala rally on Sunday. Clarifying on the row, Sidhu said: “It is a figure of speech to suggest someone wields authority.”