New Delhi, 16 October (H.S.): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the growing threats posed by drug trafficking, gang activity and organised crime in Punjab, raising questions about the law-and-order situation in the state.

In a post on the social media platform X, Amit Shah said Punjab was grappling with the growing menace of drugs, gang activity and organised crime. He questioned who would take responsibility for ensuring the safety and security of the people of Punjab, describing this as the biggest challenge facing the Mann government.

Referring to an incident in Dirba in which a father allegedly consumed poison under pressure, and the broad-daylight murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, who had spoken out against drug abuse, Shah said the incidents had raised serious questions about law and order in Punjab. He claimed that Parvinder’s father had levelled serious allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and one of its MLAs. Shah said the Union Home Ministry would also seek an explanation from the Punjab government regarding both incidents.

He alleged that drug trafficking was flourishing in the state, the threat of organised crime was increasing, and concerns were mounting over the safety of those who raised their voices against drugs.

Addressing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann,Amit Shah said the people of Punjab wanted answers rather than publicity, and tangible results rather than announcements. He called for decisive action against drug networks and an impartial investigation into any alleged political protection extended to criminals.

The Union Home Minister also reiterated the BJP’s commitment to making Punjab drug-free, free from gangsters and safer if the party came to power in the state. He said the party’s objective was to crack down on the drug trade, protect the future of young people, take strict action against criminals and establish the rule of law so that no citizen would be forced to live in fear.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar