IQBAL Singh Lalpuri, the chairman of National Commission of Minorities blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab for the law and order situation created in the state. Lalpuri, who was speaking to the media in Pune on Monday claimed that most Sikhs were supportive of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda of development.
Asked if he was worried about the turn of events in Punjab, Lalpuri replied in negative. “Vast majority of the Sikhs are with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and are turning up in large numbers to express their support,” he said.
In Pune on Monday, Lalpuri and members of other minority communities participated in Roza Iftar organised by the Irani Shia-Muslim community in Pune. This, Ali Daruwala, spokesperson of BJP, said was the first time Muslims and Jews celebrated iftar jointly.
Speaking to reporters, he said the Centre, led by Modi, has taken historic steps in regards to Kartarpur Sahib, funds for renovation of the Golden Temple and declaration of Bal Divas to commemorate the martyrdom of the sons of Guru Gobind Singh ji. Also, he said, the PM’s 15-point programme for minorities has been successful in mainstreaming all minority communities.
“The AAP government in Punjab has failed on all counts. People of Punjab have realised that. AAP has played politics with religious sentiments of the people,” he claimed.
Over the past few weeks, Bhagwat Mann’s government in Punjab has faced issues of law and order after the now absconding Amritpal Singh — leader of Waris Punjab De — had escaped attempts to arrest him. The state government had cracked down on Singh and his supporters recently.
Lalpuri said law and order is the state government’s prerogative and its failure in arresting Singh is a failure of the government.
Lalpuri, an ex IPS officer, said India was the only country where the population of the minorities has grown. Also barring what he called ‘stray incidents’, minorities in India were safe and involved in national building.
