Kin of Punjab cops killed in Gurdaspur gun battle to get Rs 10 lakh

The Punjab government on Monday announced a compensation of `10 lakh each to the kin of policeman killed in the Dinanagar encounter.

The families of civilian victims will get ` 5 lakh, said a government spokesperson. The decision was taken at a meeting of group of ministers presided over by chief minister Parkash Singh Badal here.

In a resolution, the meeting strongly condemned the terror attack and described it as "inhuman and dastardly act by the country's enemies who were bent upon disturbing the hard-earned peace and communal harmony in the state".

The meeting, which was also attended by Punjab BJP chief Kamal Sharma, described the success of the Punjab Police operation against terrorists at Dina Nagar as "a victory for the nation."

Badal said with its courageous and highly professional conduct, Punjab Police succeeded in limiting the magnitude of the damage and pre-empting "a colossal tragedy."

He also described the members of the police force who lost their lives as "martyrs to the cause of peace and patriotism". The chief minister especially praised the bravery displayed by Gurdaspur superintendent of police (SP) Baljit Singh and other members of the police team.

He also thanked the army and other paramilitary forces for the support and cooperation extended by them during the operation.

Bus driver's courage hailed

The members praised Punjab Roadways driver Nanak Chand, who showed presence of mind and bravery to ensure safety of passengers during the terror attack. "The=driver would be honoured with a state award for bravery at the Independence Day function. His name would also be recommended for the gallantry award that is given to civilians by the union government, the spokesman said.

The meeting observed a two-minute silence to mourn the deaths during the operation. The meeting was attended by the cabinet ministers Tota Singh, Ajit Singh Kohar, Madan Mohan Mittal, Surjit Singh Rakhra, Dr Daljit Singh Cheema, Sohan Singh Thandal and others.

Badal calls off meeting with Pak envoy

*In wake of the Gurdaspur terror attack, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has called off his scheduled meeting later this week with Pakistan high commissioner Abdul Basit, an official said.

*The meeting between Badal and Basit was to be held on July 29 in Chandigarh.

READ:

READ: