Punjab demands 50 new drone jammers at NITI Aayog's 10th governing council meeting

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday made a slew of demands for the state's border areas, including the installation of 50 more drone jammers along its 553-km border with Pakistan.

The demands were raised during the NITI Aayog's 10th governing council meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi here. Mann said the jammers were needed to counter drone attacks from across the border.

Pakistan had launched a wave of drone strikes on border states of India during the recent escalation of tensions between the two countries. India had successfully neutralised these drones.

Mann also sought from the Centre infrastructure grants for comprehensive development of six border districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Pathankot.

Besides, the chief minister demanded a grant of ₹2,829 cr to check drug trafficking and upscale border security, saying 53,000 arrests have been made and 3,579 kg of heroin seized by the state.

He said these funds will be utilised for upgrading infrastructure, enhancing jail security and on de-addiction efforts.