INDO-PAKISTAN TENSION: CM office will be open in Himachal Pradesh 24 hours, government personnel in 2 districts canceled, Kangra Airport closed till 15 May

Shimla. The holidays of all government employees in Kullu and Una districts of Himachal Pradesh have been canceled amid increasing tension between India and Pakistan. Essential offices including CM office, Chief Secretary, Police Headquarters, General Administration, Control Room will be open for 24 hours for the next three days. CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu gave these instructions in a high level meeting with Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and top officials of the state to ensure necessary arrangements including review of security arrangements. On the other hand, Dharamshala Airport has been closed till 15 May.

On Friday, in the capital Shimla, the CM took detailed information from the officials about the current situation in various districts. The CM ordered all the concerned officials to ensure all necessary arrangements to keep a strict monitoring on the current situation and to deal with any emergency. CM Sukhu said that there is no need to panic, but it is absolutely essential to be vigilant at all levels.

He said that during the upcoming three holidays, all necessary government offices in the state such as Chief Minister’s Office, Chief Secretary Office and Control Room will be working with limited staff. He said that if siren is alerted in these states, necessary action should be taken immediately. To ensure the safety of the public, he asked to follow the guidelines issued by the Central and State Government with full seriously.

The CM directed to make adequate security arrangements in religious places, airports, dams, bridges and other important institutions. He also asked to organize a regular mockdrill as per the central government guidelines. He assured to provide all possible assistance by the state government to further strengthen the control rooms established in the state. Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu expressed solidarity with the Central Government and the Indian Army and appreciated the Indian Armed Forces for giving a befitting reply to the Pakistani Army. He said that our forces are facing the enemy with courage and patience, protecting the country and we are proud of our forces. The Chief Minister called upon the people to believe only official information and stay away from rumors or misleading information. Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Chief Secretary Dr. Atul Verma, Police Director General of Police Dr. Atul Verma Chand Sharma, R.D. Nazim, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Secretary Abhishek Jain, Rakesh Kanwar were present in the meeting while the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of all the districts attended the meeting through virtual medium. Significantly, Himachal Pradesh has stopped the movement of HRTC buses going to Jalandhar, Amritsar and Pathankot in Punjab and has also suspended the bus route of Jammu.