Missive to play hymns at Channi events draws flak

Chandigarh: A missive directing the district authorities in Punjab to play hymns during the CM’s visits in order to counter slogans by protesters drew flak from the opposition, prompting the authorities to roll it back citing “clerical error”.

The office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Special Protection Unit had on Thursday issued a letter to the deputy commissioners, police commissioners and senior superintendents of police with the subject, “Regarding security arrangements during CM’s visit.”

The letter, in Punjabi, stated that various bodies raise slogans during the chief minister’s visits.

“Therefore, whenever there is a function/programme of the Punjab chief minister in your district and different organisations hold demonstrations, DJ be placed and gurbani shabad (hymns)/religious songs be played so the slogans are not heard.” After the letter went viral on social media, Aam Aadmi Party MLA and leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly Harpal Singh Cheema slammed the government and dubbed the order “utterly shameful”.—(PTI)