PHAGWARA: The deadly attack on Shiv Sena Punjab activist Sandeep Thapar by Nihangs in broad daylight in Ludhiana has sparked outrage among the party's leaders, who have strongly criticized the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Senior Vice Presidents of Shiv Sena Punjab, Inderjit Karwal and Rajesh Palta, along with senior leader Babbu Chopra and City President Ankur Bedi, condemned the inhumane act.
Inderjit Karwal stated, "Relentlessly attacking an unarmed person with a sword is not an act of bravery. Such a heinous crime cannot be committed by any civilized person." He further expressed that some demonic individuals disguised as Nihangs are roaming the streets of Punjab, and the state government seems afraid to crack down on them. Karwal mentioned that they had a scheduled meeting with the Chief Minister in Jalandhar to discuss these issues, but following the incident in Ludhiana, they are heading there immediately.
Rajesh Palta also condemned the incident, emphasizing that attacking unarmed individuals cannot be considered bravery in any sense. He called on the Punjab government to arrest and severely punish Sandeep Thapar's attackers, and urged the Jathedar of Shri Akal Takht Sahib and Nihang organizations to denounce this incident. "If they remain silent, it will only embolden those thirsty for Hindu blood in the guise of Nihangs, tarnishing the reputation of honorable Nihangs, " he added.
The leaders of Shiv Sena Punjab have called on the Union Home Ministry to take serious note of the incident. They highlighted that Sandeep Thapar is a descendant of Sukhdev Thapar, a martyr who sacrificed his life for India's independence alongside Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. "If the government cannot protect the families of freedom fighters, how will it protect the general public?" they questioned.
Karwal and Palta demanded that the Bhagwant Mann government grant Hindu leaders' gunmen the authority to use their weapons in such situations. They also stressed the need for accountability of gunmen who, instead of performing their duties, become mere spectators. They unequivocally stated that Shiv Sena Punjab will ensure justice for Sandeep Thapar and will struggle at any level necessary to achieve it.