Chandigarh, April 13 (IANS) A day after an Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASI) left hand was severed in a clash with Nihang Sikhs in Patiala, the Twitterati showed up in huge numbers to support the 'Punjab Police Sadda Maan' campaign launched by the Punjab Police.

'Punjab Police Sadda Maan' soon became a top national trend just a day after the violent skirmish in Patiala.

The sentiments augmented because of the civility shown by the police while taking on some Nihangs who had chopped off Harjeet Singh's hand after he asked them to produce the curfew mobility pass.

The netizens shared videos, graphics and caricatures to show their solidarity with the force.

Other than commoners, prominent politicians, including former Union Minister Manish Tewari and Education Minister of Punjab Vijay Inder Singla, expressed their support for Punjab Police.

Tewari tweeted, "Indeed Punjab Police Saada Maan! Punjab is grateful to these valiant heroes for being at the forefront of a deadly fight! They continue to serve the people, tirelessly."

Vijay Inder Singla also took to Twitter and wrote, "Sharing a special video, which was sent to me by someone. No two ways about the fact that Punjab Police have gone beyond the call of duty -- exemplifying humanity in the COVID19 situation. I join the state, in thanking these courageous men and women! Punjab Police Saada Maan."

Meanwhile, Punjab Police too acknowledged the sentiment and shared an emotional video justifying its motto: "Shubh Karman Te Kabhu Na Taron".

The video showed the police personnel on ground working round the clock to serve the people of the state amid the lockdown.

"Somedays, the internet truly springs up wonderful surprises! Grateful for this heartwarming video and ‘Punjab Police Saada Maan' sentiment! Punjab Police stays committed to its motto ‘Shubh Karman Te Kabhu Na Taron' and serving the people of Punjab at all times," the state police said in a tweet.

It is worth mentioning that the police have been able to connect with the masses and establish a positive narrative through its consistent communication via social media.

Taking to Twitter, Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt wrote, "It's commendable how policemen of each and every state are doing such a phenomenal job in this situation of crisis. Just came across this video of @PunjabPoliceInd doing their duty. Hats off to them!"

Bollywood actor and Gurdaspur MP Sunny Deol tweeted, "I heartily salute the personnel of Punjab Police who are performing their duty and at the same time serving the society in this tough time of Covid-19."

Earlier in the day, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh spoke to the ASI of Punjab Police whose left hand was severed in the clash in Patiala.

The hand of ASI Harjeet Singh has been successfully re-implanted in an eight-hour long surgery at the PGI Hospital in Chandigarh on Sunday.

"Spoke to ASI Harjeet Singh, who is recovering after his operation, to enquire about his health," the Chief Minister said in a tweet.

"The composure and bravery with which he spoke today is truly worthy of admiration. Wishing him a speedy recovery," he added.

The PGI said that it was a very complex and challenging surgery, which was successfully done.

Eleven people, including a woman, were arrested for the crime after several hours of stand-off and many rounds of talks between the police and the Nihang Dera head Baba Balwinder Singh.

--IANS

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