Book Opposition leaders, activists for violating Covid curbs: Punjab CM

Calling the dharnas by Shiromani Akali (SAD) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 'irresponsible' and 'utter violation' of the strict curbs in place in the state in view of the pandemic spread, the Chief Minister asked DGP Dinkar Gupta to take action against them.

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday directed the state Director-General of Police to register cases under the Disaster Management Act against Opposition leaders and another party workers for staging dharnas in the state. Calling the dharnas by Shiromani Akali (SAD) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) 'irresponsible' and 'utter violation' of the strict curbs in place in the state in view of the pandemic spread, the Chief Minister asked DGP Dinkar Gupta to take action against them.

"At a time when people could not gather even for weddings and funerals, leaders and workers of these parties were behaving in a reckless manner, showing no concern for the safety and health of Punjabis," said the Chief Minister, adding that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Pointing out that the AAP dharna on Sunday was in fact in violation of the weekend curfew in place in the state, Captain Amarinder said such protests and political gatherings were potential super-spreaders and had to be firmly tackled. "The law should take its course," he told the DGP, adding that political leaders have a big responsibility towards society.

This, he reiterated, was not the time to play political games and indulge in dirty politicking but to come together to fight the pandemic to the finish. It may be recalled that even before the Covid restrictions in the second wave were imposed by the Chief Minister, he had announced that the ruling Congress in Punjab will not hold any political gatherings.