Are Targeted Killings in Punjab Threatening Communal Harmony?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Targeted killings are threatening Punjab's communal harmony.
- Sunil Jakhar criticizes AAP's lack of action.
- Recent murders indicate a larger conspiracy to incite violence.
- The community is urged to maintain brotherhood.
- Government silence raises concerns about public safety.
Chandigarh, Nov 18 (NationPress) The President of Punjab BJP, Sunil Jakhar, asserted on Tuesday that there is a disturbing trend of targeted killings aimed at undermining the state’s communal harmony. He criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government for its failure to address this alarming issue.
Jakhar was in Ferozepur to express condolences to the family of Naveen Arora, the son of RSS leader Baldev Raj Arora, who was shot dead.
During his media briefing, Jakhar emphasized that gangsters are persistently attacking individuals to fracture the communal fabric. The daylight killing of the RSS leader's son was labeled an assault on Punjabi culture, asserting that no true Punjabi would stand for such acts.
He pointed out that similar murders, including those of RSS leader Jagdish Gagneja and Vikas Bagga, follow a pattern that suggests a larger plot to disrupt communal peace.
Jakhar stated, as Punjab commemorates the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur—who sacrificed his life for religious neutrality—these targeted killings are a disgrace to Punjab and its cultural identity.
He criticized the government's inaction, noting that no official response has been issued regarding these incidents. This silence, he argued, raises even greater alarm. He called for a decisive crackdown on elements fostering division and hatred.
“The government’s inaction on this grave matter is alarming. The perpetrators must be identified and severely punished,” Jakhar said.
He appealed to all Punjabis to uphold their mutual brotherhood and to resist the advances of these anti-social elements. Jakhar reminded the media of a promise made by AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on November 6 in Tarn Taran, where he vowed to eliminate gangsters from Punjab within seven days.
More than seven days have passed since that promise, which Jakhar labeled as mere electoral rhetoric, while the people of Punjab continue to experience fear and insecurity.
He criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, claiming he has succumbed to his Delhi leadership, resulting in a lack of administrative control. The senior leadership of AAP bears responsibility for the current decline in the state.