Chandigarh/Milpitas(California)The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) expresses serious concern over the continuing questions surrounding the death of Gulzar Singh and the manner in which the entire episode has been handled. As new statements and developments have emerged, the matter requires a transparent, impartial and legally credible examination rather than political arguments, emotional reactions or attempts to close the issue prematurely.
The latest position attributed to Gulzar Singh’s family that they have no complaint regarding his death after an employment opportunity was provided raises an important question for society and the administration: Can the loss of a human life be treated as resolved merely because a family receives a job or other assistance? Employment support may provide much-needed relief to a distressed family, but it cannot by itself answer questions concerning the circumstances, responsibility and accountability surrounding a death.
NAPA believes that the family’s position must be respected, but the administration also has a wider responsibility to society. Where serious allegations or unanswered questions exist, an independent and transparent inquiry should establish what actually happened, who was responsible, whether negligence or wrongdoing occurred, and whether the law was applied equally to everyone involved.
One of the most important unanswered questions concerns the reported demand for action against Harpal Cheema and the question of why an FIR was not registered, if the available facts and allegations disclosed a cognizable offence. NAPA is not declaring anyone guilty. That is the responsibility of the competent investigative and judicial authorities. But the public has a legitimate right to know why an FIR was or was not registered, what inquiry was conducted, and what legal reasoning supported that decision.
This is not about targeting an individual or protecting another. The same law must apply to the powerful and the powerless. If there is sufficient material for an FIR, it should be registered and investigated according to law. If the authorities concluded that an FIR was not legally justified, that decision should be explained transparently so that the public does not remain surrounded by suspicion and unanswered questions.
NAPA also appeals to political leaders and public representatives to avoid turning a family tragedy into a political bargaining exercise. A government job or financial assistance can help a grieving family rebuild its life, but justice cannot be measured in appointment letters.Punjabi society has always respected compassion, but compassion must walk alongside accountability. As the saying goes:
“ਜਦੋਂ ਸੱਚ ਨੂੰ ਚੁੱਪ ਕਰਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਸਹੂਲਤ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਜਾਵੇ,
ਤਾਂ ਸਵਾਲ ਹੋਰ ਵੀ ਉੱਚੀ ਆਵਾਜ਼ ਵਿੱਚ ਖੜ੍ਹੇ ਹੁੰਦੇ ਹਨ।”
NAPA therefore calls for the complete facts of the Gulzar Singh case to be placed before the public, an impartial examination of all relevant circumstances, and a clear explanation of the legal action or lack of action taken by the authorities.Justice must not depend upon political influence, financial relief or the social status of the people involved. The value of a human life is equal before the law.