Chandigarh, Jun 10 (IANS): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday sought support from Canada for arresting the gangsters operating from its soil.

The Chief Minister flagged the issue with Canadian High Commissioner Cameron Mackay, who called on the former at his residence here.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over the mushrooming up of gangs and gangsters in both the countries.

Mann informed the High Commissioner that gangsters operating from Canadian soil are disturbing hard earned peace of state. He said these gangsters create law and order problem on one hand and derail the progress of the state on other hand.

Advocating a harsh punitive action against the gangsters, Mann said that they should be punished under severest of severe provisions of law so that it acts as deterrent for others.

The Chief Minister, while batting for joint police operation between Canada and Punjab, said it is the only way which can free both these lands from gangsters.

He apprised the High Commissioner that Punjab Police has a glorious tradition of upholding law and order situation even in hostile situations, adding if advanced police force like Canada cooperates with Punjab Police then these gangs can be weeded out easily.

The Chief Minister asked the Canadian High Commissioner to explore the feasibility of having a direct tie up between Punjab and Canada police so that gangsters can be put behind the bars.

He said this is need of the hour as gangsters and their actions are posing serious threat to life, economy and society in both Canada and Punjab.

Mann expressed hope that Canada and Punjab will script a new success story with this robust cooperation.