File Photo: Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal
Recognising the gallantry deed of slain SP Baljit Singh who laid down his life in the Dina Nagar terror attack, the Punjab government has decided to appoint his son as Deputy Superintendent of Police besides allowing ex-gratia grant of Rs 25 lakh to his bereaved family.
The decision was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during a meeting with senior officers of the civil and police administration at his residence this evening.
Similarly, all the police personnel and civilians injured in the counter insurgency operation would be given an ex-gratia grant of Rs 3 lakh each.
Apart from this, the entire expenditure on their treatment even in the private hospitals would be borne by the state government, an official spokesman said in Chandigarh.
The Chief Minister also asked the State Home Department to recommend the case of awarding President Police Medal for gallantry posthumously to SP (detective) Baljit Singh, besides to Inspector Balbir Singh and Head Constable Tara Singh, in recognition with their unprecedented bravery and highly professional conduct, to the Central Government for safeguarding the nation's integrity and sovereignty.
Saluting the valor, dedication, selfless devotion and patriotic values displayed by members of the Punjab Police, the Chief Minister allowed the family members of the policemen killed in this operation to draw full pay till the time of their superannuation.
Mr Badal also said that all the children of the policemen, who lost their lives in this terror attack, would be imparted education free of cost to help the distressed families in this hour of grief.
Appreciating the exemplary courage shown by Nanak Chand, the Punjab Roadways driver who showed extraordinary presence of mind and bravery in steering the passengers to safety, the Chief Minister decided to honour him at the state level Independence Day function with the State Award besides giving financial assistance to the tune of Rs 2 lakh.
His name would also be recommended for the Gallantry Award for civilians to be conferred by the Union Government.
On the stellar role played by the Punjab police personnel, especially the SWAT commandos, in the Dina Nagar anti-terrorist operation, Mr Badal also asked the DGP to place on record the appreciation, which they have also drawn from the Centre, in their service record of policemen for exemplary courage, professional commitment and dedication displayed by them during their call of duty.
Mr Badal said this would not only boost the morale of the police force but also inspire others to emulate their gallantry deeds and heroic traditions of state police.
Punjab police has already issued appointment letters for the job of constable offered to one member of each family of the Punjab home guards, who were killed in the terror attack.
Similarly, one member of each civilian who lost his life in the terror attack would also be given government job.
On Monday, terrorists had carried out a strike at Dina Nagar in Gurdaspur district.
Seven persons - four civilians and three policemen including a SP rank officer, were killed by heavily-armed militants who stormed a police station in Dina Nagar. Later on, the militants had been eliminated by the security forces in an operation that lasted for nearly 12 hours.
Punjab Police officer Baljit Singh, who was killed fighting terrorists in Dina Nagar, was yesterday cremated with full state honours at Kapurthala.