Chandigarh, Dec. 11 -- Ahead of the Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections on December 14, Punjab director general of police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Wednesday said 44,000 cops will be deployed in rural areas to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls in the state.

Emphasising on the need to build a positive environment in the state, DGP Yadav directed all police officers to ensure professional policing and strict adherence to all aspects of the the Model Code of Conduct.

Giving more details, special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, who had chaired virtual meeting with CPs/SSPs and range DIGs of the state, said security had been beefed up across the state and field officers had been asked muster at least 75% police force from districts...