DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday urged the religious leaders to act as a catalyst for strengthening the ethos of communal harmony, brotherhood and peace in this hour of crisis.

Addressing the gathering during Sarb Dharam meeting at the Raj Bhawan, the Chief Minister, in the presence of Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, said that Punjab has a very fertile land and anything can germinate on it except hatred and animosity. He said that Punjab is a sacred land of great Gurus, saints and seers who have shown us the path of mutual love and tolerance. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the social bonding amongst people is already very strong adding that the religious leaders should come together for further strengthening it.

The Chief Minister said that it is imperative in the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. He said that though the meeting has been called at short notice but it is heartening that it has brought together religious leaders to emphasize unity and peace during these challenging times.

Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that Punjab is the most secular state of the country where there is no place for hatred adding that the bond of mutual cooperation, tolerance and love further needs to be strengthened for which religious leaders can play a key role.

The Chief Minister said that hate speeches on social media that fans animosity amongst religions and people will be tackled with a heavy hand and strict action will be taken against such people. He urged the religious leaders to bring such sinister moves immediately into the notice of the Government and so that swift action can be taken on it. Bhagwant Singh Mann also urged people to show social bonding and solidarity with the families of the Army personal in this hour of crisis to further boost their morale.

The Chief Minister reiterated the state government's commitment to ensure 'Sarbat Da Bhalla' (welfare of all) and expressed gratitude to the religious leaders for their solidarity and support to this noble cause. He emphasised that it is the need of the hour to protect the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Indian Army comprises brave men from all faiths and Punjab stands firmly with them, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed.

The Chief Minister reiterated that people should not rush to the spot where any part of drone or missile is found as it can be harmful before it is defused. Soliciting fulsome support and cooperation from general public, he urged them to immediately inform the police if they see any missile or ballistic material. Bhagwant Singh Mann cautioned them against approaching or touching such hazardous objects as they can be fatal for them.

The Chief Minister said that the Armed forces of India are fully capable to give a befitting reply to such actions by Pakistan and no stone will be left unturned for it.

Reaffirming Punjab's legacy of bravery, he stated that the state stands firmly with the Indian Army and no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is already extending all possible help to the Armed forces for safeguarding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.

The Chief Minister said that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the state and people should refrain from panic buying in this hour of crisis. He urged the people to not get panic about anything during these days of crisis as the state government has already made elaborate arrangements for all the essential supplies. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that there is no shortage of anything so panic situation amongst the people should be avoided adding that any person creating artificial shortage will be dealt with strictly, so that people do not face any problem.

The Chief Minister unequivocally warned against hoarding and black marketing and assured that state has sufficient supplies in these challenging times. He urged people that while night travel should be avoided but there is no need for undue panic or restlessness. Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that mock drills will continue for civilian preparedness adding that Civil defence training will also be intensified.

(editor@dailyworld.in)