Bhagwant Mann: ‘Operation Sindoor a clear message that India will not tolerate terrorism, threat to sovereignty’

Punjab stands united with the nation and is prepared for any situation, with full resolve and responsibility.

What efforts is the state government making to ensure security of its long border with Pakistan?

After the Pahalgam attack, I chaired a high-level security meeting in Chandigarh. We increased patrolling along the border and stepped up security at religious sites and other sensitive areas.

Let me say this clearly: whether it is narcotics, drones, smuggling or gang wars sponsored by outside forces, the government is cracking down on them. Arrests have been made, weapons have been seized and key networks have been disrupted.

Punjab is the land that feeds India and also guards its borders. It is the land of shaheedan (martyrs), faujiyan (soldiers), and kisan (farmers). So long as we are in-charge, no one will dare destabilise it.

On mock drills, what has the Centre communicated with you?

This is a matter of national security and Punjab will always stand with the country. The mock drills, being conducted across 20 districts including my constituency of Sangrur, are important to ensure preparedness and coordination in case of any eventuality. We fully support the drills.

The Punjab Police, in coordination with district administrations and security agencies, are preparing for the mock drills. We are also in touch with Central authorities and will ensure they are implemented with full seriousness. Security is a shared responsibility and we are committed to doing our part.

Our people and police will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the nation in any crisis. Preparedness is strength, and Punjab is ready.

With regard to the Pahalgam attack, some questions have been raised over ‘intelligence failures’. How do you see the Centre’s response to the attack?

Our first duty is to stand united and demand justice for victims. Politics must take a backseat during such times. As CM, I say that national security must be above everything… Terrorism must be dealt with firmly and decisively. There can be no compromise on that.

This is not a time for blame games. Investigation into lapses can come later. Right now, our focus should be on unity, action, and delivering justice to the victims of the attack.

The Indus Waters Treaty’s suspension has coincided with the Punjab-Haryana water dispute…

Punjab does not have surplus water, yet we are giving 4,000 cusecs to Haryana as drinking water is a basic right. But, Haryana wants more. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), under the BJP’s pressure, is trying to force us to give 8,500 cusecs of water. This is unacceptable.

We will not allow this injustice. Punjab continues to lead in foodgrain contributions to the central pool – around 47% of the country’s wheat and 37% of the rice procured comes from us. That’s why a consistent water supply is crucial.

After 36 years, we have just started providing water to our tail-end farmers and we will not let politics undo this progress. The entire state, across party lines, has said no to this while the Assembly has passed a resolution against the illegal order. I have taken an oath to protect Punjab’s people and its water and will not back down.

The BBMB has moved court against the Punjab government over water distribution. What do you think is the way forward?

The BBMB in its current form has ceased to be a neutral authority and has become a political tool for the BJP to pressure Punjab. I will not accept that.

We will not honour illegal, one-sided decisions of the BBMB, which are taken without Punjab’s consent. These are our rivers, yet we are being overruled by those who have no right on the waters. This is not federalism.

We will review each clause of inter-state agreements if they are being used to harm Punjab. Cooperation cannot come at the cost of injustice. The way forward is through fairness, respect for riparian rights. Punjab has the first right on its waters.

Punjab has been among the worst sufferers of actions such as drug flow or Khalistan support attributed to Pakistan. What can be a permanent solution to this?

Punjab is on the frontline, but is not a weak spot. It is the country’s first shield.

Pakistan has failed in all attempts to destabilise the state. We launched a war on drugs because it funds terrorism. But it cannot be only our battle. There must be a permanent, national-level strategy. The Centre and states must act as one unit with full coordination to stand as a united voice against Pakistan’s attempts to destabilise us. National security demands seriousness from every level of leadership.

On another note, what is your view on the Centre’s decision to undertake a caste census?

Caste census is not just about numbers. It is about justice and representation. We must understand the ground reality first if we intend to build an inclusive and equitable India.

While I support caste census, it must not be restricted to a column on a form but must be a comprehensive socio-economic and educational mapping of all castes. This is the only way we can design policies that ensure that the benefits of governance reach everyone.

Punjab has always stood for social justice, and for that we need accurate data. We cannot build policies on guesswork or outdated assumptions.

Caste census should not be viewed through a political lens. This is about planning with empathy and governing with fairness. A caste census, if done sincerely and transparently, can become the foundation of a more just and equal India.