Milpitas (California): The Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), Satnam Singh Chahal, today expressed serious concern over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in Punjab, stating that the current environment of fear and violence is discouraging members of the Punjabi diaspora from visiting their homeland.
Chahal said that a large section of the Punjabi diaspora living across North America and other parts of the world is increasingly worried about safety in Punjab. According to him, the state appears to be “burning in the fire of gangsters,” with incidents of violence, extortion, and shootings becoming alarmingly frequent. He noted that innocent people are reportedly being killed almost daily in gang-related activities, creating an atmosphere of insecurity among residents as well as Non-Resident Punjabis (NRIs) who traditionally travel to Punjab to reconnect with their roots.
Raising further concern, Chahal alleged that alongside rising gangster activity, there are also growing accusations of police excesses and alleged fake encounters, which have eroded public trust in law-enforcement institutions. He emphasised that maintaining the rule of law and public confidence are critical to the stability and reputation of the state.
The NAPA Executive Director also highlighted a recent incident reported from Patiala, where the in-charge of the Model Town police post allegedly slapped a security guard working at a café for reportedly failing to manage roadside parking. According to the guard, he was innocent and had no role in the parking issue. The guard has demanded strict action against the police official involved.
Chahal said the incident reflects a deeper systemic problem within sections of the police administration in Patiala. He urged senior police officials and the Punjab government to immediately investigate the matter and take strict disciplinary action if the allegations are proven true.
“The Punjabi diaspora deeply loves Punjab and wants to visit their villages, families, and religious places. However, the worsening law and order situation is creating fear among overseas Punjabis. If the situation continues to deteriorate, it will not only harm the state’s image but also affect tourism, investment, and emotional ties between Punjab and its global community,” Chahal said.
He called upon the government of Punjab and senior police leadership to take urgent and concrete steps to curb gangster activities, ensure transparency in policing, and restore public confidence in the justice system.
Chahal concluded by urging authorities to act decisively so that Punjab can once again become a safe and welcoming place for its residents and for the millions of Punjabis living abroad who consider the state their ancestral home.