Punjab MP Condemns Government Inaction on Border Security Crisis
Former Punjab deputy chief minister and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has launched a scathing critique against both the BJP-led central government and the Punjab state administration. He accuses them of failing to address the escalating menace of drone-based smuggling of drugs and weapons along the sensitive Pakistan border. Randhawa asserts that despite official claims of control, the ground reality in Punjab continues to deteriorate, fostering an environment of pervasive fear and insecurity among residents.
Allegations of Cross-Border Criminal Networks and Targeted Violence
Randhawa alleges that sophisticated criminal networks, operated by gangsters based in foreign countries including Canada, Europe, the United States, and Pakistan, are actively orchestrating a range of serious crimes within Punjab. These activities reportedly include targeted killings, systematic extortion, kidnappings, and armed robberies. Citing specific data, he claims that from late 2025 to early 2026, Punjab witnessed over 21 targeted assassinations. The victims included prominent kabaddi players, village sarpanches, political workers, and ordinary citizens, with a significant number of these incidents occurring in vulnerable border districts.
These violent episodes, according to Randhawa, expose profound security lapses and systemic failures. He directly implicates the Border Security Force (BSF), central intelligence agencies, and the Punjab Police for their inability to prevent these crimes. He further criticizes the prolonged appointment of an ad hoc Director General of Police in Punjab, suggesting it reflects administrative negligence and undermines effective law enforcement.
Drone Smuggling Epidemic and Demands for Advanced Technology
Expressing grave concerns over border security, Randhawa highlighted the alarming rise in drone incursions. He pointed out that in 2025 alone, security forces recovered 272 drones from the border areas, averaging approximately 24 drones per month. Regular recoveries continue in key districts such as Amritsar and Tarn Taran. He questioned the central government's reluctance to equip the BSF with state-of-the-art anti-drone systems and provide additional manpower to counter this clear and present threat.
"The data speaks for itself," Randhawa stated, referencing official statistics. "Drone smuggling cases have skyrocketed from just 3 incidents in 2021 to a staggering 179 cases in 2024. This exponential growth represents a national security emergency, yet the Centre has failed to treat it with the urgency it demands." He also demanded to know why decisive action has not been taken against handlers based in Pakistan and gangsters operating from abroad who are allegedly masterminding crimes in Punjab.
Punjab's NDPS Act Cases and Geographic Vulnerability
The MP noted that Punjab currently ranks among the top states in India for cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, directly linking this to cross-border smuggling. He referenced official information indicating that 61 foreign-based gangsters remain active under 'Operation Prahar,' allegedly running extensive extortion rackets using social media and encrypted communication platforms.
Randhawa emphasized Punjab's geographic vulnerability, sharing a 553-kilometer international border with Pakistan that traverses the districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka. He identified districts within a 50-kilometer radius of this border, including Muktsar and Moga, as being among the most severely affected by smuggling and related criminal activities.
Urgent Call for Coordinated Action and Accountability
Calling for immediate and decisive intervention, Randhawa demanded that the central and Punjab governments launch a coordinated, technology-driven operation to dismantle cross-border smuggling networks and neutralize foreign-based gangsters. He stressed the need for fixing clear accountability within security and intelligence apparatuses to ensure the safety of Punjab's citizens.
"The people of Punjab deserve to live without fear," Randhawa concluded. "It is the fundamental duty of both governments to deploy modern technology, enhance coordination, and take stringent action to secure our borders and restore peace. The current state of affairs is unacceptable and requires urgent rectification."
