SHIMLA: Following the threat call made by US-based Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) legal adviser Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, Himachal Pradesh Police have enhanced the security categorisation of chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, BJP national president J P Nadda and Union minister Anurag Thakur to the next higher level from existing ones.
On Friday morning, many journalists received the recorded call from different numbers in which a message was given to Himachal government, claiming that on August 15, they will not allow Thakur to hoist the national flag. Message further said that Himachal Pradesh was a part of Punjab and they are seeking referendum in Punjab and once they liberate Punjab, they will make sure that they take over Himachal areas which were part of Punjab.
Through the message, farmers and pro-Khalistani Sikhs were urged to come out and bring their tractors to stop Thakur from hoisting the tricolour.
Reacting to this telephonic message of a Khalistani supporter, Thakur said he would unfurl the tricolour whenever and wherever he will get the chance to do so. He said he would look into the matter and discuss the issue with the security agencies. He said he did not care and bother much about such messages.
Himachal DGP Sanjay Kundu said police were taking all required steps in the matter and had shared the information through appropriate channels with the Centre and state. He said heads of intelligence agencies based in Shimla have been informed. He said strict screening of vehicles at the border entry points of state was being ensured.
He said security categorisation of chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, BJP national president and Rajya Sabha MP J P Nadda and Union Minister Anurag Thakur has been upgraded to next higher level. “We have also requested the Government of India to do the same,” he added. He said the cyber cell of Himachal Pradesh is also looking into the matter.
