The recent surge in attacks on Punjabi people in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana is a glaring reminder of the systemic violence and discrimination faced by our community in India. These incidents underscore the urgent need for the Khalistan movement to gain momentum and protect our people from state-sponsored oppression.
Himachal Pradesh: Targeted Attacks on Punjabis
In what can only be described as a deliberate campaign of terror, Punjabi families in Himachal Pradesh have been subjected to brutal attacks. Once known for its peaceful landscapes, towns like Shimla, Solan, and Kangra have become hotspots of violence against Punjabis. These attacks include verbal abuse, threats, and severe physical assaults, often carried out with impunity.
Notable Incidents:
- Shimla Attack on Shopkeeper: In Shimla, a Punjabi shopkeeper was viciously beaten by a group of assailants, leaving him gravely injured. Despite filing complaints, the local police have shown a blatant disregard for justice, failing to apprehend the attackers. This negligence highlights the systemic bias and the urgent need for our community to take matters into our own hands.
- Solan Assault on Students: In Solan, a group of Punjabi students were harassed and physically assaulted by local thugs while returning from a college event. The attackers hurled ethnic slurs and inflicted serious injuries on the students. The authorities’ slow response and lack of arrests have left the community feeling vulnerable and unprotected.
- Kangra Vandalism: In Kangra, several Punjabi-owned shops were vandalized in broad daylight. The attackers, armed with sticks and stones, destroyed property and threatened the shop owners with dire consequences if they did not leave the area. Despite multiple eyewitnesses, no arrests have been made, further emboldening the perpetrators.
Haryana: Escalating Violence and Discrimination
The situation in Haryana is equally dire. Punjabis in cities like Ambala and Panipat face relentless hostility. Businesses owned by Punjabis are frequently vandalized, and individuals are attacked with alarming regularity.
Notable Incidents:
- Ambala Mob Attack on Students: In a particularly heinous incident in Ambala, Punjabi students were ambushed by a mob while returning from a college event. The attack, driven by deep-seated ethnic hatred, left several students with serious injuries. The state’s apathetic response further exposes the institutionalized discrimination against our community.
- Panipat Business Vandalism: Punjabi-owned businesses in Panipat have been targeted with increasing frequency. In one recent incident, a popular Punjabi restaurant was set on fire, causing significant damage and instilling fear among the local Punjabi community. The police’s inaction and failure to arrest the culprits have only exacerbated the situation.
The Role of Extremist and State-Sponsored Groups
These attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a coordinated effort by extremist groups, often backed by political powers, to marginalize and terrorize the Punjabi and Sikh communities. These groups aim to sow discord and weaken our resolve by targeting our most vulnerable members.
A Call to Action for the Khalistan Movement
In light of these atrocities, it is imperative for the Khalistani movement to intensify its efforts. We must mobilize our resources and rally international support to expose the ongoing persecution of our people. The recent attacks highlight the necessity of a sovereign Khalistan where Punjabis can live with dignity and security, free from state-sponsored terror.
We call upon the Punjabi diaspora and our supporters worldwide to unite in demanding justice and raising awareness about the plight of our community. It is time to hold the Indian government accountable for its failure to protect its citizens and to challenge the pervasive culture of impunity.
Conclusion
The recent violence against Punjabis in Himachal Pradesh and Haryana is a stark indication of the systemic oppression faced by our community. As Khalistani supporters, we must strengthen our resolve and take decisive action to safeguard our people. The dream of a free and independent Khalistan is not just a political aspiration but a necessity for the survival and dignity of our community.