Thu May 22 08:43:53 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is strongly opposing the Indian central government’s decision to deploy CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) personnel to secure the Nangal dam. Mann questions the need for additional security, citing the existing security provided by Punjab Police and accusing the Centre of potentially trying to take Punjab’s water. He also objects to the financial burden associated with the CISF deployment, which he says would cost ₹8.58 crore annually. Mann plans to raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the upcoming Niti Aayog meeting. The dispute arises amid ongoing tensions between Punjab and Haryana regarding the sharing of water from the Bhakra dam.

**News Article:**

**Punjab CM Condemns Centre’s Deployment of CISF at Nangal Dam Amid Water Dispute**

**Chandigarh – May 22, 2025** – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has sharply criticized the central government’s decision to deploy a contingent of 296 CISF personnel to safeguard the Nangal dam, sparking a new conflict between the state and the Union.

Mann, speaking to the media in Sangrur on Thursday, questioned the necessity of the move, emphasizing that Punjab Police is already providing security to the dam. He accused the Centre of an unnecessary overreach and raised concerns about the financial implications.

“Why should we pay ₹8.58 crore annually when Punjab Police is already securing the dam for free?” Mann asked, referring to the security deposit the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) has been asked to make in favour of the CISF.

The move comes against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Punjab and Haryana over the sharing of water from the Bhakra dam. The AAP-led Punjab government has refused to release more water to Haryana, arguing that the neighboring state has already utilized its share.

Mann further questioned the Centre’s motives, suggesting the deployment could be an attempt to undermine Punjab’s water rights. “Does the Centre want to steal Punjab’s share of water? We will not allow this,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister stated he will raise the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Niti Aayog meeting scheduled for Saturday. He plans to ask Modi if he questions the competence of the Punjab Police.

He challenged BJP leaders, including Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, to clarify if they supported the Centre’s decision. “The dam falls in Punjab’s jurisdiction. If Punjab can protect the international border, why can’t it protect the dam?” Mann stated.

The Nangal dam is situated downstream of the Bhakra dam in Rupnagar district. Punjab Police had previously increased security at the dam following the state government’s refusal to release more water to Haryana.

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