Chandigarh, Oct 4 (PTI) North American Punjabi Association executive director Satnam Singh Chahal on Sunday expressed concern over reports of shootings, killings, extortion, gangster activities, drug trafficking, illegal weapons and attacks on police personnel in Punjab.
Chahal said the state government must take effective steps to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens, businesses and families.
“People should not be afraid to speak against criminals, receive extortion threats or fear becoming victims of violence. The right to life and personal security must be protected,” he said in a statement here.
He said organised crime was no longer limited to a particular village or city and criminal networks could operate with the help of associates abroad, social media, illegal weapons and financial channels.
“The authorities must act not only against those involved directly in violence but also against those providing money, weapons, shelter, information and other support,” he said.
Chahal also raised concerns over the safety of non-resident Indians (NRIs) visiting Punjab.
Thousands of Punjabis living in the US, Canada, Britain and other countries return to the state every year to meet their families, visit their villages, manage businesses and look after ancestral property, he said.
“An NRI should be able to return to his or her village without fear of extortion, intimidation, property disputes or criminal attacks,” Chahal said.
He said a transparent system was needed to deal with complaints relating to alleged land grabbing, illegal occupation, forged documents and property disputes involving NRIs.
Since many NRIs live thousands of miles away, they can find it difficult to regularly monitor their property, he said.
Chahal said complaints filed by NRIs should be properly registered, investigated and tracked, with complainants being informed about the action taken.
He also called for stronger action against drug trafficking and illegal weapons, saying the drug trade and organised crime could be linked through illegal money used to finance weapons, extortion and violence.
“Punjab’s fight against drugs cannot be separated from its fight against organised crime. Breaking the financial chain behind criminal networks is as important as arresting their members,” he said.
Chahal also expressed concern over attacks on police personnel.
“When police officers become targets of organised criminal groups, it is a serious warning. Police need modern equipment, intelligence support, adequate manpower and institutional backing, while also remaining accountable and acting within the law,” he said.
The actions of a small number of criminals should not be allowed to affect the image of the wider Punjabi and Sikh community, describing it as overwhelmingly peaceful and law-abiding. PTI VSD
PRK
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