The Punjab government today took harsh action against the state police, firing three top officials for their failure to manage the violence in the region, a day after confrontations between two factions during an anti-Khalistan march in Patiala left four persons injured.
Following orders from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who is reportedly furious by the police response to the violence, the inspector general of police (Patiala Range), the Patiala senior superintendent of police, and the superintendent of police were all transferred from their positions.
The city’s curfew, which was imposed at 7 p.m. yesterday, was lifted at 6 a.m. today, but officials stated mobile internet and SMS services were restricted in the city to avoid rumor-mongering. From 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., all mobile internet and SMS services, excluding voice calls, will be suspended in the district, according to the state administration.
“From 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 30, 2022, mobile internet services (2G/3G/4G/CDMA), all SMS services, and all dongle services, excluding voice calls, will be available on mobile networks in the territorial authority of the District of Patiala.
The Head of BSNL (Punjab Jurisdiction) and all Telecom Service Providers in the State of Punjab are thus asked to ensure that this order is followed “According to a press statement from the state government.
