Hindu Welfare Board flags concerns over presence of unverified migrants in Punjab

The Hindu Welfare Board of Punjab raised serious concerns over the increasing presence of suspected Muslim migrants in the state during a meeting chaired by Raman Nehra, Zone Coordinator and in-charge for Jalandhar and Kapurthala.

Held in Phagwara, the meeting focused on what members described as an unchecked influx of migrants, citing growing insecurity among local communities and challenges for law enforcement.

Raman Nehra stated that the number of migrant Muslims from unknown origins has been rising rapidly across various districts in Punjab, triggering alarm within residential areas. He alleged that many of these individuals have established mosques and madrasas without proper permissions and large gatherings are reportedly taking place every Friday.

Nehra further claimed that there has been a noticeable increase in incidents involving harassment of local women, unauthorised parking, and aggressive behaviour toward residents.

“These individuals lack proper identification and there has been no verification of their backgrounds. We have no idea who they are, where they come from, or what their intentions are in Punjab. It is crucial that we conduct a thorough verification process to ensure they are not foreign infiltrators posing a threat to the state’s security,” Nehra said.

He also questioned the financial sources behind the construction of religious structures, raising the possibility of illegal or foreign funding. Nehra emphasised that the issue is not only about public safety but also about preserving communal harmony in the region.

While the Director General of Police (DGP) has issued periodic instructions regarding migrant verification, Nehra called for more immediate and coordinated action.

Following the meeting, Nehra announced that the Hindu Welfare Board, under the leadership of Chairman Mahant Ravikant Muni, will send a memorandum to all 398 police station heads across Punjab.