Chandigarh: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has written a letter to the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, appealing for his immediate intervention to restore law and order in the state. NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal has expressed grave concern and said that the people of Punjab are living under constant fear, insecurity and daily threats to their lives and property. He said that unchecked illegal settlements, rising crime and political failure are destroying the social fabric of Punjab.
In his detailed letter, Chahal said that people coming from other states are constructing unauthorized huts on vacant land and are openly stealing electricity from electricity poles. These illegal connections not only cause loss of revenue and disruption of power but also pose dangerous hazards. He also said that fake Aadhaar cards and other identity cards are being easily purchased from local shops, allowing criminals to hide their real identity and evade the law.
Chahal further said that many of these illegal settlements are equipped with surprisingly modern appliances such as refrigerators, air-conditioners and water pumps, all powered by stolen electricity. He stressed that incidents of theft, robbery and violent crime are on the rise, and in many cases women are facing harassment and sexual violence. Despite this, many victims are reluctant to file complaints due to fear of reprisals and lack of protection from the authorities.
According to NAPA, a growing number of roadside dhabas, tea shops and food joints are operating in very unsanitary conditions. Residents have complained of frequent food-borne illnesses associated with such eating places. Along with this, groups of men often roam the streets, harassing girls and women with lewd comments and behaviour. Such smwj ivroDI qQW has created a suffocating atmosphere of fear, especially for women and young girls who no longer feel safe in public places.
Chahal strongly criticised the role of political security and administrative negligence, which he said has emboldened these anti-social elements. Instead of taking action on such activities, local authorities often look the other way, fearing political pressure or influence. He argued that this is leaving law-abiding citizens feeling abandoned in their own country, while criminal elements are roaming free with impunity.
Napa has urged the Governor to take immediate corrective steps. These include initiating immediate action on illegal encroachment, electricity theft and use of fake identity documents. The association has also demanded the implementation of strict migrant and tenant verification laws similar to those already in place in Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Strengthening police accountability, setting up fast-track courts for crimes related to theft, assault and sexual violence, and ensuring special protection for women, senior citizens and vulnerable communities are also part of NAPA’s recommendations.
Chahal stressed that ending political patronage that protects criminals is equally important. He stressed that only a firm and impartial stance will restore people’s faith in governance. Punjab cannot be allowed to turn into a hub of lawlessness, crime and insecurity. The silence and inaction of the authorities have emboldened criminals while leaving law-abiding citizens helpless.
NAPA also highlighted the concerns of the Punjabi diaspora that Punjabis settled across the world are deeply distressed by the deteriorating situation in their homeland. This is the time to restore faith among the people of Punjab and send a strong message that no one is above the law.