The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) Executive Director, Satnam Singh Chahal, have drawn a historical parallel between the infamous Punjab Assembly elections of 1992 and today’s unfolding political events.
In 1992, when all factions of Shiromani Akali Dal boycotted the state assembly elections, the Indian National Congress emerged victorious without real competition. This led to the formation of a government under Chief Minister Beant Singh, during whose tenure widespread atrocities were committed against the Sikh youth. Thousands of innocent young Sikhs faced fake encounters, illegal detentions, and gross human rights violations, leaving behind a painful scar on Punjab’s history.
Today, history seems to echo once again. Jailed MP Amritpal Singh’s father, Tarsem Singh, issued a strong statement that the Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) has boycotted the Vice-Presidential polls as a mark of protest against the continuing injustice meted out to Punjab and its people. The boycott, he said, is a symbolic resistance against policies that undermine the dignity, rights, and future of Punjabis.
NAPA and Satnam Singh Chahal believe that Punjab’s past must serve as a reminder of the dangers of sidelining democratic representation and silencing genuine voices. The 1992 boycott left Punjab under a regime that crushed dissent instead of addressing people’s grievances. The same mistakes should not be allowed to repeat, as the people of Punjab have suffered enough.
Chahal added that this protest must not be dismissed lightly but seen as a reflection of deep discontent among Punjabis who continue to face discrimination, economic neglect, and denial of justice. NAPA calls upon the central government, national parties, and civil society to recognise Punjab’s pain and address its longstanding demands in a spirit of justice and fairness.