Punjab Assembly passes resolution against CISF deployment at dams

Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday passed a historic resolution opposing the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at state dams, citing both financial burden and federal overreach.

Addressing the House, the chief minister launched a scathing attack on the BJP and Congress, accusing both the parties of deliberately dividing the country along regional, linguistic, sectarian, and communal lines. “If these parties were honest in their intentions toward the nation, India could achieve unparalleled progress in every sector,” he stated.

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Questioning the Centre’s priorities, Mann remarked, “If Prime Minister Modi can find time to mediate between Russia and Ukraine, why can’t he resolve the dispute between Punjab and Haryana, who contribute over 70 per cent to the national food pool and are like brothers?” He alleged that successive governments in both states have deliberately fueled discord for political gain.

The chief minister reiterated that Punjab has no spare water to share with any other state, calling water an emotional and existential issue for Punjabis. He lamented that the 1955 water agreements were never reviewed every 25 years as they should have been.

Mann also criticized the government of India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, which he said grants other states enhanced access to western river waters, while Punjab is denied its rightful share.

He proposed the construction of new storage dams upstream of the existing Bhakra and Pong dams in Himachal Pradesh to regulate and preserve western river waters for Punjab’s farmers. Mann argued that Punjab deserves compensation for sacrificing its fertile land and natural resources to make India self-reliant in food production.

Calling the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) a “white elephant,” the chief minister demanded its reconstitution. He noted the board functions against Punjab’s interests despite the state’s 60 per cent stake and even uses Punjab’s own funds to file cases against it. “This injustice will not be tolerated,” he warned.

Mann condemned the Union government’s decision to deploy CISF troops at dams like Bhakra, which would cost the state nearly ₹9 crore annually despite Punjab Police already handling dam security without cost. “If we can guard the nation’s borders, we can certainly protect our dams,” he asserted.

He further criticized the Centre for demanding payment from Punjab during emergencies, recalling the ₹7.5 crore bill sent to the state following the Pathankot terrorist attack. “A state that sends the highest number of martyrs to the armed forces shouldn’t be made to pay to defend itself,” he added.

He also lambasted the opposition for its failure to take the river water issue seriously. “Those who call themselves water saviors caused irreversible damage,” he said, noting that the so-called water protection law passed by the opposition is still under legal scrutiny. He ridiculed the privilege of former rulers whose fields had direct canal access, questioning their understanding of water scarcity.

The chief minister accused past governments of misleading the public on the issue for over six decades. He reminded the House who initiated the SYL canal survey and laid its foundation stone with silver spades, contrasting this with his own government’s refusal to give even a single drop of water to other states.

Taking a jab at Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Mann mocked his lack of fluency in Punjabi, suggesting his convent education failed to instill knowledge of the local language. “These leaders are merely finding excuses to avoid legislative proceedings and public accountability,” he said, branding Bajwa as a power-hungry opportunist desperate to occupy the CM’s chair.