The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), under the leadership of Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal, has issued a strong appeal to the Punjab Government to immediately halt any plans to sell public assets and historic heritage properties belonging to the people of Punjab.
Chahal said that these properties are not merely plots of land or buildings, but symbols of Punjab’s identity, culture, and collective memory. “Selling these invaluable assets for short-term financial gain is not only a betrayal of the people’s trust but also an irreparable loss to future generations,” he stated.
He emphasized that the heritage structures, old government rest houses, educational institutions, and historic lands represent the spirit of Punjab’s glorious past and must be preserved with care and responsibility. “Governments come and go, but our heritage is permanent—it defines who we are,” Chahal added.
Expressing concern over reports that the state government is considering disposing of public land to raise revenue, Chahal said such actions reflect a short-sighted and destructive approach to governance. “Instead of selling what our ancestors built and preserved, the government should focus on restoring, promoting tourism, and generating long-term income through heritage conservation and cultural revival,” he urged.
NAPA also reminded the ruling leadership that Punjab’s public property belongs to its citizens, not to any political party or government in power. “These assets were created by the sweat and sacrifices of the people. It is morally and constitutionally wrong to auction them away for temporary financial relief or political favors,” Chahal warned.
In conclusion, Chahal appealed to all political parties, intellectuals, and civil society organizations to rise above partisan interests and unite to protect Punjab’s heritage from commercialization and destruction. He reaffirmed NAPA’s commitment to raising international awareness on this issue and to work with global heritage preservation bodies to safeguard Punjab’s cultural assets.