SYL canal row: Security up along state border

Patiala, The state-run PRTC today announced that it would not ply its buses to Delhi on Monday in view of the protest call given by the Haryana’s main Opposition party, INLD, on the issue of SYL canal.
MS Narang, MD, PRTC, Patiala, said: “No PRTC bus will go to Delhi on July 10 due to security reasons. The roadways doesn’t want to put the safety of its passengers and staff at risk.”
According to the police, the INLD has threatened not to allow any (Punjab) government buses or other vehicles to enter Haryana. They will stop private vehicles also, but will let them go after handing over pamphlets, justifying Haryana’s stand on the SYL issue and water sharing.
The state police have decided to ensure adequate security arrangements on all roads leading to Haryana. Sources said the Punjab Police had got in touch with their counterparts in Haryana and decided to make adequate security arrangements in their respective states to prevent any law and order problem and to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
The main focus would be on Shambhu barrier where additional force would be deployed, they said. At least 1,000 policemen drawn from Patiala, Sangrur and Mohali districts in addition to the Punjab Armed Police would guard the state border.
AS Rai, IG, Patiala zone, said: “There will be some traffic diversions, but we are clear that traffic from Punjab will not be disrupted.”
“We are not taking chances and all vehicles, be it private or government, will be provided security till Punjab border with Haryana and thereafter it would be for the Haryana Police to ensure their security,” Rai said.
S Bhupathi, Patiala SSP, today visited Jind, Nirwana Ambala, Kaithal and Kurukshetra districts and held a meeting with his counterparts on the issue.
The INLD had earlier announced that it would stop Punjab Government vehicles at the Shambhu barrier.