The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has expressed serious concern over the worsening law and order situation in Punjab caused by the unchecked and unverified influx of migrants from other states. In a statement issued to the media, NAPA President Satnam Singh Chahal said that the growing number of unverified individuals is making life difficult for local residents and creating serious challenges for the police and administration.
Chahal said that many migrants are living and working in Punjab without proper identification or verification. Reports have surfaced of individuals possessing forged Aadhaar cards and other documents obtained through private agents. This lack of an official verification system, he warned, allows those involved in crimes to flee easily, leaving the police unable to trace or identify them. He added that several incidents of attacks on locals, harassment, and unlawful activities have been reported, creating fear and unrest among the people.
He further pointed out that unverified settlers have encroached upon government and private land in various parts of the state. Many can be seen roaming the streets, consuming liquor openly, and misbehaving with women and residents, which has disturbed the peace of neighborhoods. Local traders have also complained about unfair competition from unregistered small businesses operating without licenses or tax compliance.
Chahal emphasized that NAPA is not against migration but demands regulation, verification, and accountability. “The absence of a government-led verification system has created serious law and order problems in Punjab, ” he said. “The Punjab government must urgently implement strict identification, registration, and verification measures to ensure safety, fairness, and peace for all residents.”
In conclusion, Chahal urged the government to empower law enforcement agencies to act against illegal encroachments, forged documents, and public misconduct. He reaffirmed that NAPA will continue to voice this concern on behalf of the people of Punjab until transparent and effective policies are introduced