The Khalistani terrorist group “Sikhs For Justice” (SFJ) has released another provocative video, stating that only those who abstain from celebrating Deepawali and instead observe Deepmala on Bandi Chhor Divas will be allowed to remain in Punjab. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the group’s leader and a designated Khalistani terrorist, issued a threat to people from other states, demanding they leave Punjab by October 19. He warned of serious consequences for those who fail to comply.
Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the Khalistani terrorist group Sikhs For Justice, claimed that Punjab is not part of India and threatened that raids would be carried out at Batala railway station by the stated deadline. As expected, he voiced strong opposition to Hindutva, declaring that those supporting the ideology must leave Punjab, warning of serious consequences for those who ignore the ultimatum.
Pannun also shared footage of Batala railway station, boasting that Khalistani slogans had been painted on signboards and electrical boxes at the site. In addition, he made references to the Achaleshwar Dham temple and issued a direct threat to Punjab’s Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, vowing to “destroy” the Mann government.
Rising Anti-Migrant Sentiment in Punjab
The alleged killing of a 5-year-old child by a migrant worker in Hoshiarpur has triggered a surge in anti-migrant sentiment across Punjab. This growing hostility is being fueled by vested interests, anti-India elements, and pro-separatist groups. The resentment is primarily directed at migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Over 25 panchayats in Hoshiarpur and neighbouring districts passed resolutions condemning migrant workers in the days following the incident. While, the specific directives varied, all imposed restrictions on residence rights for individuals lacking Punjab-issued documentation. Within a week, certain villages had ordered migrants without proper papers to leave the state. Reports indicate a significant exodus of migrant labourers, driven by fear of retaliation.
Meanwhile, reports of vigilante threats have emerged in Bathinda and Ludhiana. Social media videos show vigilantes urging the mass departure of migrant labourers, with warnings directed at street vendors from other states to leave immediately.
In contrast, Punjabi industry associations have issued an urgent warning. According to a recent letter to the chief minister from Badish Jindal, a Ludhiana-based industrialist and president of the World MSME Forum, migrant workers form the “backbone of Punjab’s industries, farms, shops, and households.”
Jindal emphasised that if hostile forces force these workers out, Punjab’s industry and supply chains will collapse, affecting not only local businesses but also exports passing through other states. He called on the government to curb anti-migrant rhetoric and ensure worker safety, describing the ongoing hostility as “a conspiracy to destroy Punjab.”
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