Iqbal Singh Lalpura
S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities
Punjab, a state once known for its prosperity and resilience, has been plagued by a crisis of faith in its democratic institutions. The seeds of this distrust were sown in the early 1980s, when the state was placed under President’s Rule, citing the incompetence of its political leadership. This move was preceded by the appointment of an Inspector General of Police from outside the state, implying that the local police leadership was incapable of handling the law and order situation.
The consequences of these decisions were far-reaching. The army’s intervention in Punjab, culminating in Operation Blue Star, left deep scars that still linger. The trial of the 1978 Narankari Sikh clash, which resulted in the murder of 17 persons, was shifted to Karnal in Haryana, casting aspersions on the fairness of the trial court in Punjab.
Despite the return of democratic governance in 1985 and 1992, the real power remained vested in the Director-General of Police, an officer from outside the state, until 1996. This perpetuated a culture of mistrust and eroded the credibility of the state’s institutions.
The situation remains grim, with allegations of corruption against almost all Chief Ministers and their family members. A significant number of bureaucrats and police officers are facing charges of corruption, further undermining public trust.
Two recent cases decided by CBI courts in Punjab highlight the extent of the problem. An IPS officer and his colleagues were sentenced for extortion, while a former High Court judge was acquitted of corruption charges. While the decisions themselves are not being questioned, they underscore the widespread perception that the state’s institutions are compromised.
It is against this backdrop that I, am calling upon the people of Punjab to come together and reclaim their state. We need to analyze the situation, identify the root causes of this crisis, and present a comprehensive agenda for reform before the public.
We require individuals with experience, integrity, and a clean image to take the lead in this effort. It is time for us to recognize that the problems facing Punjab are not insurmountable, but rather a reflection of our collective failure to address them.
As someone who has had the privilege of serving the state in various capacities, including as a police officer and a politician, I am committed to doing my part in this endeavor. I urge all Punjabis who share my concern for the state’s future to join me in this quest for reform and renewal.
A Ray of Hope
In this backdrop of despair, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerges as a ray of hope for the nation. His vision for India’s growth and development has inspired a sense of positivity, enabling the country to move forward despite global uncertainties. His special effort to promote Sikh Faith and culture deserves recognition.
Moreover, Modi’s government has implemented various initiatives that can benefit Punjab. For instance, the Digital Agriculture Mission, with a budget of ₹2,817 crore, aims to support digital agriculture initiatives, which can help Punjab’s farmers increase productivity and income. The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) can provide medium to long-term debt financing for post-harvest management and community farming infrastructure projects in Punjab.
A Call to Action
Fellow Punjabis, We stand at a critical juncture in our state’s history. The institutions that were once the pillars of our democracy have been eroded, and the trust of our people has been broken. It is time for us to come together and reclaim our Punjab.
I urge all Punjabis, regardless of their background, their religion, or their political affiliation, to join us in this effort. Let us come together to demand accountability from our leaders, to fight against corruption, and to build a better future for our state.
We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to our children, and we owe it to the generations that have come before us. Let us rise to this challenge, let us show the world what it means to be Punjabi, and let us reclaim our Punjab.
Join the movement. Share your thoughts. Let’s rebuild Punjab together!
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