Punjab Moving Towards a Police State: Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargej

The acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargej, has expressed serious concerns over the growing police dominance in Punjab. In his press statement, he stated that instead of democracy, a police state is emerging in Punjab. He condemned the arbitrary arrests of farmer leaders, the use of force against protestors, and the suppression of democratic rights by the government.

Giani Gargej questioned why, despite India being a constitutional democracy, the police are taking over the role of the judiciary. Referring to history, he reminded that whenever the police have been given unchecked powers, the common people—especially Sikh youth—have suffered. He recalled how, in the 1980s and 1990s, fake police encounters led to the killing of many young Sikhs, and even today, several police officers are being held accountable for those crimes.

He further stated that Punjab's farmers have always been victims of Delhi’s political strategies. "The same leaders who once stood with farmers in their protests are now using force against them," he remarked. He warned the government that if police repression continues against the farmers, Punjab could witness a new wave of resistance.