CHANDIGARH: Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa on Wednesday strongly condemned the assassination attempt on senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, calling it a deeply unfortunate and unequivocally condemnable act of violence.
"The attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal outside Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar, where he was performing seva as directed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib, is a grim reminder of the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. Such incidents undermine the very fabric of societal harmony and have no place in a civilised society, " Bajwa stated.
He highlighted that the incident reflects a colossal failure on the part of the Punjab Police and the Home Department, directly under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. "It was the responsibility of the Home Department to ensure the safety of individuals, especially those serving their sentences through seva at the Golden Temple. The Punjab government's inability to maintain law and order has once again been laid bare by this tragic incident, " Bajwa remarked.
Bajwa further highlighted the Union Home Ministry's failure in ensuring the safety of a Z-category protectee. "It is alarming that despite the Border Security Force (BSF) overseeing security up to 50 km from the international border and the presence of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the premises, an individual with a well-documented history of involvement in terror activities was able to move freely while carrying a deadly weapon. This raises serious concerns about the effectiveness and coordination of both central and state agencies. The Union Home Ministry must be held accountable for its inability to detect and apprehend such a dangerous individual before this heinous act could be carried out, " he asserted.
Bajwa emphasized the importance of fostering an environment of peace and dialogue in Punjab. "This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders—political leaders, social organizations, and the public. We must collectively work towards ensuring that Punjab remains a land of mutual respect and tranquility, preserving its rich heritage, " he urged.
He further cautioned about the potential for larger conspiracies, expressing concerns about the possibility of destabilizing Punjab. "The Sikh Panth has undoubtedly been aggrieved since the Dera Sacha Sauda chief's pardon during the SAD regime. However, this assassination attempt appears to be part of a more sinister plot. We cannot ignore the risk of Punjab slipping back into a period of turmoil, " Bajwa warned.
Bajwa called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation by a High Court-appointed committee into the incident. "Given the AAP-led Punjab government's dismal track record in maintaining law and order, it is imperative that a time bound committee appointed and monitored by a sitting High Court judge probes this assassination attempt to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy and ensure justice is served, " he asserted.
Bajwa also appealed for restraint and unity among all sections of society during this sensitive time, urging all Punjabis to work together to maintain peace and uphold the sanctity of Punjab’s ethos.