Punjab: Farmers have protested against the reported proposal to shift the State Special Operation Cell (SSOC) from Fazilka to Ferozepur. Led by Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Dakaunda) vice-president Harish Nadha, the farmers submitted a memorandum to the Fazilka deputy commissioner demanding that the SSOC stay in the district. In his memorandum, Nadha emphasised that the SSOC has played a vital role in curbing cross-border drug smuggling from Pakistan and neighbouring states. He said shifting the cell could lead to resumption of drug smuggling, which could be exploited by anti-social elements. The farmers said they would be forced to launch an agitation if their demand was not met. A delegation of advocates led by district bar association president Shrenik Jain had earlier raised the issue. The group met Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Internal Security Shiv Kumar Verma during their visit to Fazilka on December 13. They too submitted a memorandum opposing the move, raising concerns over the sensitive nature of the area and its susceptibility to criminal activities. Sources suggest that the government is considering shifting the SSOC to Lale village in Ferozepur district, which is located on the Ferozepur-Moga highway. However, the legal community and local farmers believe this could weaken the ongoing fight against drug trafficking. The SSOC was set up in December 2017 to tackle drug trafficking in border districts of Punjab. Fazilka was chosen as a key location due to its proximity to Pakistan and Rajasthan, two major drug smuggling routes. The district has witnessed a large number of drug seizures, ahead of the other SSOCs in Amritsar and Mohali. SSOC officials report that Fazilka has recorded the highest number of narcotics seizures and arrests of smugglers, gangsters and associates of criminal syndicates from the nine districts of Punjab covered by the operation. These districts include Ferozepur, Moga, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, Mansa, Barnala, Sangrur and Fazilka.
Punjab: Farmers protest proposal to shift Special Operations Cell
