CHANDIGARH, India: Mr. J.S. Ribeiro Director the General of Police said here that if 34 hardcore freedom fighters now active in the state were caught the turmoil in the state would be checked to a great extent. Addressing the newsmen he said each of these freedom fighters has dozens of accomplices armed with sten guns and country made pistols and revolvers. They mainly operate in districts of Amritsar and Gurdaspur. All out efforts were being made to nab these elements. In reply to a question Mr. Ribeiro said that there was no controversy regarding the deployment of C.R.P.F and BSF in districts of Am tsar and Gurdaspur. He is disclosed that the control in the state ‘was central and the policemen were being given special training to counter insurgency. Answering, questions Mr. Ribeiro said some policemen have been dismissed as they had links with freedom fighters, He said that the deployment of CR.P.F and BSF, could not solve the problem in the ultimate analysis the police would have to maintain law and order. I am moving like a mad man from place to place to gear up the police set up, he said. At present 220 companies of the Para-military force have been deployed in the state out of these 110 companies were deployed in Amritsar and Gurdaspur alone. The Government had information that the smugglers were helping freedom fighters with money and arms. The infiltration of the freedom fighters from across the border has been reduced, he added.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 20, 1986
