"Law and order in terrible state": Congress slams AAP government
Punjab Congress leader Raj Kumar Verka slams the AAP government, claiming gangsterism is at its peak and questioning the LPU campus violence.
The political temperature in Punjab has escalated following recent unrest at Lovely Professional University (LPU), with the Congress party launching a scathing attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. Punjab Congress working president Raj Kumar Verka on Tuesday accused the state administration of failing to maintain basic safety, claiming that gangsterism is at its peak across the state.
Gangsterism and Extortion Concerns
Verka highlighted a worrying trend in the state's security landscape, alleging that criminal elements have become emboldened. He claimed that many gangsters are now managing their criminal operations directly from within prison walls, including making extortion calls to targets. "The law and order situation in Punjab is in a terrible state," Verka stated, emphasizing the government's inability to curb these organized crime networks.
Questions Over LPU Campus Violence
The Congress leader specifically addressed the recent violent protests that erupted at the LPU campus in Phagwara. The unrest was triggered by social media reports regarding the alleged rape of a student on campus, which quickly spiraled into large-scale demonstrations. The situation turned violent, resulting in the torching of police vehicles and damage to university facilities.
Verka demanded accountability from the administration, raising several critical questions regarding the nature of the unrest:
- Who is behind the violence? Verka urged the government to identify the individuals responsible for the destruction of property at the university.
- Are students being targeted? He questioned if students are being intentionally pushed into conflict and if there are attempts to unfairly label them as terrorists.
- Agency accountability: He asked which specific agencies are involved in the incidents that led to students suffering and being caught in the middle of unrest.
University and Police Response
The violence at the university has had significant repercussions for the academic community. Following the riots, Lovely Professional University (LPU) took the following steps:
- Suspension of Classes: Regular classes were suspended for 10 days starting from September 28.
- Examination Postponement: Mid-term examinations have been postponed indefinitely until further notice.
- Safety Advisory: The university advised students to consult with parents before traveling home and appealed to the student body to remain calm and avoid involvement in unrest.
The police have confirmed that an investigation into the reports that sparked the protests is currently underway. An FIR has been registered against several unidentified individuals in connection with the violence. As the investigation continues, the state remains on edge regarding the stability of law and order in the region.