Chandigarh | — Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), has expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. In a press statement issued from Chandigarh, Chahal highlighted that the surge in violent incidents across the state has created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, not only for residents but also for the global Punjabi diaspora.
Chahal pointed to a series of recent events that have shaken public confidence, including high-profile murders, bomb blasts, and custodial deaths. “Almost every day, we are hearing about some tragic incident in one or another part of Punjab,” he said. “This constant stream of violence is not only destabilizing the region but is also severely affecting the sentiments of overseas Punjabis who wish to stay connected to their roots.”
Among the most disturbing incidents, Chahal cited the May 25 shooting of Shiromani Akali Dal councilor Harjinder Singh in Amritsar, and the May 27 explosion that killed a suspected Khalistani terrorist near Majitha Road, Amritsar. Additionally, he noted the brutal custodial death of Narinderdeep Singh in Bathinda, for which four police officers have been booked.
The string of bombings and grenade attacks throughout April has further intensified fear. These include an explosive attack on BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia’s residence in Jalandhar on April 8, an IED blast that injured a BSF jawan along the Indo-Pak border in Gurdaspur on April 9, and grenade attacks in Amritsar on April 16 and 21, targeting a YouTuber’s home and the Thakurdwara temple, respectively. Most recently, a blast near Nowshera village in rural Amritsar left one individual critically injured.
The daylight assassination of prominent lawyer Parminder Singh Dhingra, President of the All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), has further underscored the lawlessness prevailing in the state. “These are not isolated events — they represent a larger pattern of instability, extremism, and administrative failure,” Chahal remarked.
He emphasised that these incidents have caused great anxiety among Punjabis living abroad, many of whom are now hesitant to travel to Punjab for weddings, funerals, and other social functions. “The connection between Punjab and its diaspora is sacred. But this kind of violence is forcing our people to think twice before visiting their homeland,” Chahal said.
Calling for urgent intervention, Chahal urged the Punjab government and security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to restore public trust. “Punjab must not be allowed to slide into lawlessness. The government must strengthen policing, improve intelligence operations, and take firm steps against those involved in creating unrest — whether they are criminal elements, extremists, or foreign-sponsored agents,” he concluded.