Diaspora body calls for stronger action against organised crime, extortion, drugs and property-related disputes
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
Chandigarh, October 5: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has urged the Punjab government to strengthen law and order and take more effective steps to protect residents and non-resident Indians (NRIs) amid concerns over shootings, killings, extortion, organised crime and drug trafficking.
NAPA executive director Satnam Singh Chahal said ordinary citizens, businesses and families must be able to live without fear of violence or criminal threats. He also called for action against wider networks supporting organised crime, including those providing money, weapons, shelter or information.
Chahal said criminal groups were increasingly able to operate across borders with the help of overseas associates, social media, illegal weapons and financial channels. He argued that tackling these support networks was as important as arresting those directly involved in violent crimes.
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The safety of NRIs visiting Punjab was another major concern raised by the organization
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Thousands of Punjabis living in the US, Canada, Britain and elsewhere return to the state each year to visit families, manage businesses and look after ancestral property
NAPA called for a transparent system to address complaints from NRIs involving alleged land grabbing, illegal occupation, forged documents and property disputes. It said complaints should be formally registered, investigated and tracked, with complainants kept informed about progress.
Chahal also linked the fight against drugs with efforts to dismantle organised crime, saying illegal drug proceeds could help finance weapons, extortion and violence. He sought stronger action against drug trafficking and illegal arms.
The organisation also expressed concern over attacks on police personnel, describing them as a warning sign of organised criminal activity and calling for better equipment, intelligence support and adequate manpower.
The appeal comes as Punjab continues efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks, including those with overseas links.
