INLD protest over SYL: Punjab police deploys two anti-riot companies at Shambhu barrier

It is at the Shambhu barrier that traffic from Punjab enters the neighbouring state on the Grand Trunk (GT) road.
Patiala : The Punjab police have decided to deploy two anti-riot companies at the Shambhu barrier on Monday in the wake of the Haryana’s main opposition party Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) giving a call to stop the entry of Punjab government vehicles in Haryana to press for the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.
It is at the Shambhu barrier that traffic from Punjab enters the neighbouring state on the Grand Trunk (GT) road. Punjab has already decided not to ply government-run buses to Delhi and other routes in Haryana as a precautionary measure to avoid any standoff.
Punjab police officials said unlike the previous INLD protest when heavy force was deployed and the border was sealed, there is no such need this time since the planned protest will take place in Haryana and, therefore, the security of vehicles and flow of traffic will be the neighbouring state’s responsibility.
Deputy inspector general (DIG), Patiala range, Sukhchain Singh Gill said the Punjab police will focus on ensuring law and order situation. “As the protest is taking place in the territory of Haryana, the onus of safety of vehicles and ensuring smooth flow of traffic lies with them. We will deploy force as a preventive measure so that no protester can cross over to Punjab. The deployed personnel will help if traffic is diverted.”
He said the Punjab police are in constant touch with their Haryana counterparts and will chalk out a joint strategy to tackle any situation that may emerge.
The INLD has announced to block traffic at the Shambhu barrier, Lalru near Ambala, Dhanauri near Narwana, on the Ratia-Buddlada road (Jakhal point) in Fatehabad and Dabwali in Sirsa. INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala, who is leading the protest, will visit all five places on a chopper.
Punjab police have worked alternate routes to divert traffic through link roads, which connect with Haryana through various villages. Executive magistrates have been asked to reach the Haryana border to order lathi-charge or any other action if the INLD workers try to cross over to Punjab or damage property.
Senior Haryana police officials also visited the Shambhu barrier and took stock of the situation. Haryana has moved additional forces in Ambala to thwart any traffic disruption by INLD workers.