Chandigarh, Mar 26 (IANS): Taking cognizance of reports of excesses against residents for the enforcement of the curfew in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Thursday directed Punjab Police to be more humane and sensitive in dealing with violations.

Urging the police personnel to exercise maximum restraint in the difficult situation, the Chief Minister asked them to find more compassionate ways of handling curfew violations, especially in cases of individuals found moving out for essentials.A

Use of corporal means to punish violators could not be allowed, said Amarinder, directing Director General of Police (DGP) Dinkar Gupta to take all possible steps to sensitise the police personnel and warn them against taking the law into their hands in dealing with cases of curfew violation.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the people to stay at home and reach out to the police and the civil administration through helpline numbers in case of emergency.

All efforts are being made to provide doorstep delivery of essential goods and services, he said, adding that the entire police and civil administration was working day and night to ensure that the citizens do not face any inconvenience or hardship.

The Chief Minister's warning came even as the police on Thursday registered 170 cases and arrested 262 for curfew and home quarantine violations.

Out of the total 170 cases, four were registered for violation of home quarantine guidelines, with three FIRs registered in Sangrur and one in Bathinda.

As of Thursday, a total of 40,153 police employees in different ranks have been deployed on the ground in various districts for enforcement of curfew as well as maintenance of essential supplies. These included 1937 volunteers.