Continuing its spree to modernize the Punjab Police on scientific lines, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday flagged off a fleet of 16 hi-tech Mahindra Bolero vehicles and 56 motorcycles to further strengthen the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU).
Stating that the State Government has adopted a zero tolerance policy against illegal travel agents, Mann also asserted that necessary amendments will be made to the Immigration Act to ensure severest of severe action against illegal travel agents.
“This endeavor is a part of the State Government’s campaign to check the inhuman practice of human trafficking. This menace has enhanced manifolds across the globe but the State Government is duty-bound to curb it with a heavy hand,” said Mann, adding that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause and Punjab Police will be equipped with ultra-modern infrastructure to combat this crime.
Citing the case of around 700 students stuck in Canada, the Chief Minister said that these students have been duped by the travel agents by sending them on fake documents. He said that the State Government is committed to tightening the noose around such travel agents.
“The State Government is in contact with the Canadian embassy to ensure that the culprits of this heinous crime get strict punishment, here in Punjab,” he said.
Giving details of the hi-tech vehicles, the Chief Minister said that these vehicles are equipped with an advanced Mobile Network Video Recording System (MNVRS), four cameras — two outdoor and two indoor — and Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS).
Terming the launch of these hi-tech as yet another step towards modernizing policing, he said that it would help in effectively preventing human trafficking of women and children in the state.