Guard MNCs from attacks, states told

The Punjab and Haryana Governments and the Union Territory Administration have recently received this message in a letter from Nikhil Kumar, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs. 8220;We have received the same official instructions, verbally,8221; Gujarat Minister of State for Home Haren Pandya told The Indian Express.

Dated June 24, Kumar8217;s letter states: 8220;In the context of attacks and agitations against multi-nationals, the State Governments may kindly recall the earlier advisories sent by this Ministry emphasising the need for State governments to provide adequate protection to the property and personnel ofbusiness establishments of multi-nationals.

8220;You would agree that such steps in the post-test political scenario are even more essential to send a signal to foreign investors that the Government is committed to upholding the rule of law,8221;the letter saidAccording to Kumar8217;s letter, the state governments have been requested to 8220;take all possible steps to not only provide adequate protection to multi-nationals but also to ensure that their confidence in the State apparatus remains unaffected.8221;

Incidentally, Chandigarh has no Multi National Corporation with a production base although many foreign companies and banks have their offices here. Meanwhile, a senior police official, entrusted with the charge of 8220;protecting MNCs in the city8221; said: 8220;The DSPs and SHOs have been directed to list out all such establishments in their respective areas. Till that happens, they have been asked to step up patrolling and keep a tab on activity around these offices.8221;