Patiala, January 26: Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday pledged to eliminate forces threatening Punjab’s peace and communal harmony while addressing a Republic Day gathering at the Polo Ground and conferred the Chief Minister Rakshak Padak awards to several police officers.
Mann stressed the state government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, underscoring the significance of unity among Punjabis in countering divisive conspiracies.
Referring to Punjab as the land of saints and martyrs, Mann said, “Maintaining the hard-earned peace of the state is our top priority, and we will not allow anyone to disrupt it.”
He also urged citizens to work collectively to thwart attempts at spreading communal strife.
Criticizing the Centre for what he described as a “step-motherly treatment” towards Punjab, Mann called attention to the struggles of the state’s farmers, whose protests, he noted, reflect the Union government’s neglect.
He said it is painful that “those who feed the nation are forced to go on hunger strikes to get their demands met.”
Mann also pointed to delays in releasing Punjab’s rightful share of Rs 5,500 crore Rural Development Fund (RDF) as a stark example of the Centre’s disregard for federal principles.
The chief minister highlighted key initiatives of his administration, including the establishment of 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics serving over 2.7 crore citizens, free electricity benefiting 90% of households, and enhanced use of canal water for irrigation.
Besides, he stressed efforts to attract investments worth Rs 85,000 crore, creating over 3.5 lakh job opportunities, alongside reforms in education and police recruitment.
“The bond of love and harmony among Punjabis is indomitable and will remain a hallmark of our great state,” he added.
He also honored officers, officials, and individuals from various fields during Republic Day celebrations for their exceptional service to society and the state.
Mann conferred the Chief Minister Rakshak Padak to Assistant Sub Inspectors Manna Singh and Rajinder Singh, Lady Senior Constable Kulwinder Kaur, Punjab Home Guard Gurdeep Singh, and Senior Constable Gurpreet Singh.
The Chief Minister’s Medal for Outstanding Devotion to Duty was awarded to Superintendents of Police Navreet Singh Virk, Jasmeet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Digvijay Kapil, and Harinder Singh, alongside several other police personnel.
The Chief Minister also felicitated Parade Commander Vaneet Ahlawat, Second Commander Ramanpreet Singh Gill, and prominent personalities from diverse fields, including healthcare, public service, and education. Honorees included retired Civil Surgeon Dr. Jatinder Kansal, MS Rajindra Hospital Dr. Jagpal Inder, and other notable contributors.
Family members of martyrs from Operation Rakshak, including Shaheed Sipahi Bhupinder Singh and others, were recognized for their sacrifices. Certificates under the FARISHTEY Scheme were awarded to Mangal Singh, Virjesh Kumar, and Amandeep Singh.
