Punjab Congress has reacted strongly to what it called ‘frivolous and absurd’ statement of the Shiromani Akali Dal alleging that Captain Amarinder Singh had compromised national security through a video clip on the social media regarding his border visit. Responding to Cheema’s statement, the party said the charges made by the Akali leader were not only baseless but farcical, and showed his utter lack of knowledge. In a statement, party leaders O P Soni, Sukhbinder Sarkaria, Tripit Rajinder Bajwa and Raj K Verka said post Operation Parakaram in 2001-2002, many farmers were injured in accidental landmine explosions in various districts of Ferozepur and Amritsar, following which due compensation was given to them. Hence the charge levied by Cheema that Capt Amarinder had spilled national secrets was preposterous.
Cheema had alleged that the video that went viral had revealed the Indian Army’s secrets during the previous wars with Pakistan, with special reference to mines laid by the army. Referring to Cheema’s charges regarding the posting of an unedited video, which he termed as vulgar, the Congress leaders said the comments on the social media reflected the ire of the people. “let the code of conduct for the Assembly elections be imposed. Neither Badal nor any of the other Akalis will be allowed to even enter the villages or the cities,” said the party leaders.