NEW DELHI, May 30: Former Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal today warned the Centre of the possibility of a revolt in the Punjab police force and re-emergence of militancy in the state, if the Badal government continued its policy of victimisation and harassment of police officers.

A high-powered congress delegation, led by Bhattal, met Union Home Minister Indrajit Gupta and told him that there was great demoralisation among the Punjab police personnel, particularly among those who had played a major role in containing militancy in the border-state.

Talking to mediapersons Bhattal said that the state police was feeling insecure due to the unsympathetic attitude of the government.

Referring to the suicide committed by former Taran Taran police chief A S Sandhu, the delegation said, ``We had brought peace in Punjab during the Congress regime, after a struggle in which more than 30,000 persons laid down their lives. We do not want militancy to re-emerge in the state.''

Bhattal accused the state government of encouraging subversive forces and honouring separatist leaders. This may encourage militants, she said.

Bhattal said the delegation had demanded a CBI inquiry into Sandhu's suicide. She said it was unfortunate that a man who had played a vital role in maintaining the integrity of the country, was harrassed.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.