Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday presented the President's Colour to the Chandigarh Police during its 60th Raising Day and Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Police Lines in Chandigarh, acknowledging the force's contribution in tackling terrorism and maintaining security in the region, ANI reported.
Source: ANI
The President's Colour is the highest ceremonial honour a police force can receive, awarded for sustained distinguished service. Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria was among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
Source: The North News
'First drug-free region in the country'
Addressing the gathering, Shah said that despite its proximity to Punjab, which is grappling with a serious drug problem, Chandigarh will become the first region in the country to be declared drug-free. He said Chandigarh Police had secured convictions in 93 per cent of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, describing its campaign against drugs and gangsters as a major achievement.
Source: The North News
Shah recalled the period of terrorism, saying Chandigarh was not untouched by it and that the force showed courage in protecting not only the city but the entire country. He noted that Chandigarh has served as a Union Territory and the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana since November 1, 1966, and praised the force's coordination with the Punjab and Haryana police in managing security across the tri-city region, ANI reported.
Source: ANI
The Home Minister said the force, with over 6,000 personnel across its Crime Wing, Operations Cell, Security Wing, Traffic Police and PCR units, had set benchmarks across the country. He said 141 new vehicles were being inducted to strengthen rapid response and patrolling, and expressed confidence that the force, currently ranked second nationally in emergency response time, would reach the top position.
Source: The North News
Shah also said the Centre had provided Chandigarh with 2,152 AI-enabled CCTV cameras, that the force had won 145 medals at the All India Police Duty Meet, and that the average time to secure convictions had come down to 140 days under the new criminal laws. Earlier, in a post on X, Shah wrote that Chandigarh Police was completing 60 years of dedication, discipline and public service.
Source: ANI / The North News