The SAD-BJP led Punjab government today hit out at the opposition Congress for questioning the role of Punjab police in the terror attack at Dinanagar in Gurdaspur district in July, describing it as "unfortunate and shocking" for raising the "sensitive" issue at the floor of the House.
After Congress MLA from Dinanagar Aruna Chaudhary raised the issue during Zero Hour, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed dismay at the manner in which the opposition party tried to downplay the bravery shown by the Punjab Police in tackling the threat posed by alleged Pakistan-trained terrorists in Dinanagar on July 27.
After the Question Hour during the ongoing Monsoon session of Punjab Vidhan Sabha here, Chaudhary said why the Army was not allowed to intervene to neutralise three terrorists when it had reached the Dinanagar police station before Punjab police arrived.
"Army had reached 8:25 am at Dinanagar. But it was not allowed to participate in the operation. Had army been allowed to neutralise terrorists, the whole operation would have ended in one hour instead of 11 hours," she said on the floor of the House, inviting sharp reaction from the treasury benches.
She asked why Punjab Police DGP was not provided Chopper on the day of terror attack to reach the site early.
She further said why nobody noticed three terrorists who easily reached Dinanagar police station after crossing over the border.
The Congress MLA also said no police official was present at Dinanagar police station except home guards at the time of the attack.
Expressing shock over the statement of Congress MLA, Badal said the exemplary bravery displayed by Punjab Police personnel was even appreciated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"I am really shocked. It is unfortunate that this issue is being raised in the House," said Badal, who also holds Home portfolio.
He said the brave manner in which the terrorists were taken head on had sent a strong message to Pakistan that terrorism would not be tolerated at any cost.
"We should be proud of our forces and should not raise any issue in the Assembly which undermines them," Badal said.
He lauded the Punjab Police for controlling the situation and said if the force had not taken effective action a major incident could have happened.
Punjab Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia also took strong exception to the statement of Congress MLA and lamented that the issue was being politicised.
On this, CLP leader Sunil Jakhar said that the Congress MLA was trying to raise the issue of compensation and jobs to kin of those killed in the terror attack.
Three heavily-armed fidayeen in army fatigues had stormed a police station in Dinanagar, killing seven persons, including an SP, while all the terrorists were gunned down in a day-long operation on July 27.
