The political opposition in Punjab has launched a fierce assault on the state's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, declaring a complete breakdown of the rule of law. This condemnation follows a series of brazen, daylight murders that have instilled a deep sense of fear and hopelessness among the public.
Opposition Decries 'Marketing' of Murder
On Monday, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring issued a hard-hitting statement, painting a grim picture of the state's security situation. He alleged that criminal gangs now operate with such brazen impunity that they no longer feel the need to conceal their identities during public executions. Warring pointed to the recent high-profile assassination of a village sarpanch at a crowded wedding as a stark example of this lawlessness.
"The killers showed no fear of the law," Warring stated, highlighting the "frightening confidence" of the unmasked attackers. He claimed that criminals now openly take credit for such killings with pride, as it serves to boost their extortion rates and expand their power.
A Disturbing Trend of 'Wedding Day' Crimes
Warring underscored a chilling pattern of violence erupting at social gatherings. He noted that the recent murder in Amritsar mirrors a similar double-homicide that occurred at a wedding in Ludhiana approximately two months ago. His primary accusations against the administration revolve around three critical failures:
- A large number of unsolved crimes.
- An apparent absence of police presence and action.
- The flourishing of an extortion-based economy run by gangs.
He recalled that the culprits behind the Ludhiana double-murder remain at large even after 60 days. Warring asserted that the police have "left the space open for criminals," suggesting the force has effectively ceased to function. He alleged that gangsters are now using social media and public hits as a form of "marketing" to amplify their criminal influence and extortion demands.
Mounting Pressure on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
The AAP government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is facing intensifying scrutiny over its handling of Punjab's law and order. Warring expressed surprise at what he termed as the CM's indifference, noting a conspicuous lack of public statements from Mann following the recent spike in targeted killings.
Addressing both the government and police authorities, Warring posed a pointed question: "Doesn't your conscience prick you? What are you there for when you cannot prevent crime and save the lives of people?"
The head of the main opposition party's state unit also questioned the effectiveness of the government's frequent "crime review meetings." He suggested these meetings have produced no tangible results on the ground, leaving the residents of Punjab to fend for themselves and face "their own fate."
