AMRITSAR: The Punjab state government is all set to restore security to 424 VIPs following the murder of Punjabi singer and Congress leader Sidhu Moose Wala. Security will be restored from May 7.

Sidhu Moose Wala was killed shortly after his security was withdrawn following a government order to withdraw secuirty for a number of dignitaries, including him. There has been widespread criticism of the state government over its withdrawal of security. Bhagwant Mann government has decided to restore the security on this backdrop.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had also criticized the state government in the leakage of security withdrawal list. The government told the court that security for VIPs had been withdrawn only for a limited time. However, the court said that a decision on such matters should be taken only after a proper review of the circumstances.

On May 28, the state government has withdrawn the security of more than 400 VVIPs, including Sidhu Moose Wala. The government has decided to reduce security, saying that they need more officers to maintain law and order in the state. Sidhu was shot dead the next day.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has said that a judicial inquiry will be conducted led by a sitting Punjab and Haryana High Court judge on Sidhu's murder. Also also ordered an investigation into the withdrawal of singer's security. However, Sidhu's father Balkaur Singh wrote a letter to the Chief Minister asking the CBI and the NIA to investigate the case. The family had insisted that they would not allow a post-mortem without a favorable response from the government. The district administration intervened and persuaded him.