Jalandhar-The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) expresses deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating safety environment for Non-Resident Indians in the state of Punjab. Recently compiled verified reports by NAPA of murders, extortion attempts, armed attacks, digital fraud, and organised intimidation against NRIs paint an alarming picture of a community under increasing threat.
NAPA strongly condemns the rise of transnational gangster networks operating from foreign jurisdictions, who are orchestrating violence in Punjab through local modules. These criminal gangs—based in Canada, Pakistan, the UAE, the UK, and the United States are specifically targeting overseas Punjabis because of their perceived wealth, predictable travel patterns, and lack of familiarity with the current criminal landscape.
As documented in multiple incidents from 2025 to 2026, elderly NRIs, visiting families, business owners, and property holders have become soft targets. The brutal murder of an 86-year-old Canadian resident in Khanna, the extortion demands made on families from the United States, Australia, Portugal, and the UK, and the violent attacks on NRI homes and businesses demonstrate a systematic crisis that requires urgent government attention.
NAPA calls upon the Government of India, the Government of Punjab, and the Union Home Ministry to treat this situation as a matter of national security. We support the demand raised in Lok Sabha for a joint Centre-State task force, a High Court-monitored inquiry, and immediate international cooperation to curb gangster activities operating from overseas.
We also urge Punjab Police to strengthen protection for visiting NRIs, ensure accountability for lapses, accelerate investigations, and take strict action against both the local foot soldiers and the foreign handlers responsible for these crimes.
NAPA appeals to diaspora families across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia to remain vigilant, stay informed, and report any suspicious or threatening activity immediately to the appropriate authorities.
As an organisation committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Punjabis worldwide, NAPA will continue to monitor the situation, engage with global law enforcement partners, and advocate forcefully for the safety and security of all NRIs travelling to or residing in Punjab.