Punjabis non-radical, handful playing Pak game

INTERVIEW | GAURAV YADAV, PUNJAB DIRECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

Punjab has by large been firmly in peace mode for past three decades after vanquishing of a violent extremist campaign of the '80s. Yet, the sensitive border state still faces multiple challenges on the law-and-order front. A stark reminder this month was a failed assassination bid on a high-profile politician outside the Golden Temple and seven terror bomb attacks on police posts.

As director general of police Gaurav Yadav, a 1992-batch IPS officer well regarded for his professionalism and hands-on approach, has kept his force ahead in the game by busting a raft of terror modules and relentless crackdown on Khalistanis-gangsters nexus and drug mafia. In a wide-ranging interaction with Hindustan Times on Thursday, moderated by Executive Editor Ramesh Vinayak, he shared his end-of-the year assessment, challenges and priorities. Edited excerpts:

What is your assessment of the current law and order in Punjab?

Law and order in Punjab is among the best in the country. By all parameters, the situation is under control. All major crimes have been solved. By the standards fixed to check crimes, we are among the best when it comes to ensuring public order and tackling homicides.

The border state has seen and survived periodic attempts to revive militancy and disturb its hard-won peace. What is the worrying dimension of the disconcerting developments this year?