Former Health Minister Prof. Lakshmikant Chawla has expressed serious concern over the increasing incidents of firing, robbery, and violent crimes in Punjab, urging the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police (DGP) to directly engage with the public.
Condemning the recent incident in Tarn Taran where a young law student was allegedly shot dead by a fellow student, who later died by suicide, Prof. Chawla said that such tragic events reflect the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
He stated that no day passes in Punjab without reports of firing, while incidents of robbery and theft in broad daylight have become common. Raising a question to the Chief Minister and the DGP, he said that despite the government’s fight against drugs, it would remain difficult to control the menace without a social revolution aimed at eliminating substance abuse completely.
Prof. Chawla emphasized that schools and colleges must actively raise awareness against drug abuse. He also called upon religious institutions, including temples and gurdwaras, to play a significant role in spreading awareness and building a social movement against addiction.
He further said that until the government takes strict steps, including curbing the liquor trade, drug abuse will continue to affect society. He stressed that it is crucial for the Chief Minister and the DGP to personally address public concerns instead of appearing only through television statements.
According to him, the top leadership should meet families affected by firing incidents and ensure the deployment of police officers in every area to investigate the source of illegal weapons and review the issuance of licensed arms. He added that regardless of the government’s developmental work, continued incidents of firing and robbery weaken public confidence in governance.
