Milpitas, California / Punjab — North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal has expressed serious concern over the growing questions surrounding the settlement of people from other states in Punjab without proper identity and residential verification. He has urged the Punjab government and political leadership to make public safety, law enforcement and administrative accountability their priorities rather than treating the issue as an opportunity for political gain.
Satnam Singh Chahal said that Punjab has always welcomed people who come to the state for honest employment and business. However, welcoming people should never mean compromising the security of local residents. Every person living and working in Punjab, regardless of their state of origin, must have properly verified identity and residential records in accordance with the law.
“Unfortunately, there is a growing perception that some political leaders are encouraging the settlement of outsiders in Punjab without giving sufficient attention to proper verification and documentation. Political parties may have their own electoral calculations, but the security of Punjab’s people cannot be compromised for political interests or vote-bank considerations,” Chahal said.
He further stated that the government must clearly distinguish between honest migrant workers and individuals whose identities, residential information or backgrounds remain unverified. Honest workers deserve dignity, equal treatment and protection. However, individuals involved in criminal activities must face strict legal action, irrespective of their state of origin.
Chahal questioned why the government has not ensured a comprehensive and effectively implemented verification mechanism across villages, towns, cities and industrial areas. He said landlords, contractors, employers, factories and other establishments must fulfil their legal responsibilities by maintaining proper records and cooperating with police verification procedures.
“Why should ordinary Punjabi families live with uncertainty about the identities and backgrounds of people residing in their neighbourhoods? Why should village residents repeatedly raise concerns before the administration takes meaningful preventive action? Public safety should be a continuous government responsibility, not something addressed only after a tragic incident,” he added.
The NAPA Executive Director also expressed concern about the future of Punjabi youth. Thousands of young Punjabis are leaving their homeland because of limited employment opportunities, while businesses and industrial establishments increasingly depend on workers from other states. He urged the government to develop an employment policy that gives adequate opportunities to local youth while ensuring that all workers are treated fairly.
Chahal demanded that the Punjab government publish clear information about the implementation of tenant verification, migrant-worker registration and other legally required documentation procedures. He also called for stronger coordination between Punjab Police, village panchayats, municipal authorities, labour departments and employers.
He emphasised that political representatives from all parties must cooperate with lawful verification procedures and must not discourage administrative action for electoral considerations. Public representatives should explain what measures they are taking to protect residents and ensure that the law applies equally to everyone.
“Punjab is not against any community or any honest worker. Our concern is public security, proper documentation, the protection of Punjabi youth and accountability of the administration. No innocent person should face discrimination because of where they come from, but nobody should be allowed to exploit administrative weaknesses either,” Chahal said.
Concluding his statement, Satnam Singh Chahal said that Punjab needs responsible political leadership, effective policing and transparent administration. The government must establish a system in which every resident is protected, every identity is verified through lawful procedures and every criminal is dealt with according to law.
“Welcome honest workers, respect every community, verify identities, protect Punjab’s residents and hold negligent authorities accountable. Political leaders must remember that Punjab’s security and the interests of its people are far more important than electoral calculations.”