Open House: How should authorities curb rising gun violence?

Jalandhar is turning into a battle zone

Jalandhar is turning more or less into a battle zone, with law and order reducing day by day and crimes seeming to cross limits and beyond. Just recently, the AAP representative Lucky Oberoi was shot and killed in his own car during broad daylight by gunmen who opened fire at his vehicle with no sense of fear or intimidation of the law. When such influential and powerful people are unable to stay alive in such times, a common citizen might not be on the radar but is still at a formidable risk. The government needs to stop this right away. To curb gun violence, more police surveillance at each and every incident-prone area is a must. This should be accompanied by AI-monitored and AI-run cameras to secure almost the entirety of Punjab. Additionally, an anonymous call line needs to be established so that people can tip off the police about suspicious activities in their surroundings to prevent any such incidents in the future. Citizens must also become more aware of their surroundings and act as responsible residents to assist the police in stopping this street menace. The justice system, too, needs to tighten the reins on prosecuted criminals with stricter punishments and public boycotts. In all, a total overhaul of the law and order system is necessary to prevent the loss of life in such a futile and candid manner.

Lakshit Jindal

Install police nakas immediately

Keeping law and order intact has always been the priority of the Punjab Police and the administration to maintain an atmosphere of peace and communal harmony in the city, state and rural areas. It is essential to keep confidence among residents regarding peace and harmony so that every citizen can walk tension-free with a sense of safety and security. The recent killing of AAP leader Mr Lucky Oberoi in broad daylight, after paying obeisance at Sri Gurdwara Sahib, is an unfortunate incident that has shocked city residents. Every citizen desires a peaceful and tension-free atmosphere, safety and security, especially as they are paying taxes. The administration and police should jointly identify chowks and vulnerable areas where permanent or temporary police nakas can be installed. This would ensure that after committing any untoward incident in the city, culprits cannot flee far and can instead be nabbed within a short distance. Police patrolling on two-wheelers should be increased and equipped with high-tech equipment. Similarly, overall police movement to maintain law and order and ensure security must be intensified across cities.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Intensify vigil, fix accountability

Despite the crime rate in Punjab being below the national average, the law and order situation in the state is far from normal. Amid claims of enhanced vigilance by the police, incidents of illicit drug trade, theft, arson and loot are reported daily. In addition, murderous assaults, inter-gang wars and heinous crimes against women, children and elderly people have increased substantially. Such criminal elements are distorting the image of the state, placing its economy under severe strain. The menace of gangsters operating from abroad through local associates is an even greater challenge. Eliminating these mischief-mongers is indeed a colossal task. The AAP government, on assuming power, had avowed to ensure good governance by ending manifestations of terror. Various initiatives have been launched to combat lawlessness. Under Operations Prahar-I and Yudh Nashian Virudh, Punjab Police reportedly arrested over 5,000 hardcore criminals and gangsters. A 72-hour Operation Prahar 2.0, led by senior police personnel, was initiated on February 9 to nab others from their hideouts. However, despite these forceful manoeuvres, the recent shooting of Lucky Oberoi in a posh area of Jalandhar and the killing of a girl law student in Tarn Taran serve as chilling reminders that criminals act without fear, even in busy public places. A palpable wave of insecurity is discreetly hampering development in the state. The deteriorating situation demands renewed vigour and strategic reorientation to instil fear among anti-social elements. Policing must become more intensive and proactive, aided by modern scientific techniques at vulnerable points. Accountability must be fixed for officials who fail to check disruptive activities in their jurisdiction. Constructive support from the media and political parties, along with cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies, is essential to maintain public order. Strict action against illegal possession of lethal weapons is imperative, and irrational arms licences must be cancelled. Simultaneously, the judicial set-up must be revamped to expedite criminal justice procedures so that unscrupulous elements cannot exploit systemic lacunae. Law enforcement machinery must be given a free hand to act decisively to ensure durable peace, while the administration should demonstrate zero tolerance so that no one dares to commit wrongdoing.

Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath

Handle precarious situation sternly

Killings and murders have, unfortunately, become a common sight in Punjab. The pressing question is how the ruling dispensation can ensure the safety of common people when politicians themselves are not safe. The government needs to act before the situation spirals out of control, for its own credibility and governance. With the Vidhan Sabha elections just a year away, the ruling regime cannot afford to brush such matters under the carpet. In fact, elected representatives can set the tone for the upcoming elections by handling this precarious situation sternly and dealing with culprits with an iron hand. Such decisive action is essential to regain and reinforce the confidence and trust of the people.

Simranjeet Singh Saini

No society thrives under fear

The recent wave of murders has created a deep sense of fear and insecurity among residents. People no longer feel safe in their own neighbourhoods, constantly wondering when or how violence might strike. This atmosphere of uncertainty erodes public confidence and disrupts daily life. When citizens begin to question whether their lives are valued or protected, it signals a serious breakdown in systems meant to ensure safety. The tragic killing of Lucky Oberoi has intensified these concerns. Such incidents affect not only the families involved but also the collective conscience of society. They raise troubling questions about whether law enforcement mechanisms are functioning effectively and whether justice is delivered swiftly and fairly. When criminal acts occur with apparent impunity, it creates a perception that law and order are weakening. No society can thrive under the shadow of fear. Strong governance, accountable policing and timely justice are crucial to restoring public trust. Authorities must take firm and transparent steps to reassure citizens that their safety is a priority and that every life is valued and protected.

Ravneet Kaur

Safety not privilege; it’s a basic right

The police and relevant authorities bear a fundamental responsibility to ensure the safety and security of the people they serve. When citizens begin to feel that anyone can attack anyone at any time, it fosters an atmosphere of fear and helplessness. No society can function effectively if shopkeepers are assaulted at their workplaces or individuals can openly threaten others with guns. Such incidents not only endanger lives but also weaken public trust in governance and law enforcement. Safety is not a privilege; it is a basic right. Every individual should be able to step out of their home, run a business or travel through the community without constantly fearing violence. When criminals act without fear of consequences, it underscores the urgent need for stronger preventive measures, visible policing and swift legal action. Authorities must take firm and transparent steps to restore public confidence. Increased patrols, quick response systems and strict enforcement of the law can deter criminal activity. Above all, police must reassure residents that their protection is paramount and that no act of violence will go unchecked.

Yashika Sharma

Act decisively against unruly elements

The broad daylight murder of AAP leader Lucky Oberoi is shameful and shocking. It has set a dangerous new low in a law enforcement situation already getting out of hand. If industrialists, politicians, traders, and leaders in the state are not safe, what is the guarantee for the relatively underprivileged? The Lucky Oberoi murder has set alarm bells ringing for the police and law enforcement to , which have begun operating without any kind of fear. The government needs to set an example with swift and decisive action in at least three or four such cases across the state to instil fear into criminals’ minds. If hooligans are allowed to get away with such massive misdeeds any further, it will be no less than an invitation to total anarchy in a state already beset with many problems.

Parveen Juneja

Educate youths to curb crime

The citizens of Punjab have had too much of the inaction and helplessness of lawmakers and enforcers to allow this to go any further. The murder didn’t just kill one man but brought lasting unhappiness to countless other lives. Every such incident is sounding a death knell to newer families in the state, falling prey to whimsical acts of violence from heinous criminals. Apart from policing and law enforcement—which are essential indeed—the government must also make a major push towards educating, employing, and involving our youths in creative pursuits. Lack of proper education, work, a steady source of income, and above all a dearth of compassion among our youngsters has given rise to the problem in the first place. Education and employment can play a foundational role in veering youths away from morally bankrupt lives and towards a meaningful existence away from crime.

Kamal Kant

Government must act against criminals

The shocking murder of AAP leader Lucky Oberoi, coupled with a general rise in cases of murder, extortion and threats in the region and district, presents a sombre picture of the state of law and order. Gangsters and criminals have become a law unto themselves, operating increasingly unabashedly without any fear of punishment. What’s worse is that many leaders have themselves been bearing the brunt of the problem. This makes it clear that even power cannot buy anyone security. What is the security of an average person if the key leaders of political parties themselves aren’t being spared by unruly elements? Unless the state government takes strong and decisive steps against criminals, Punjab will be buried deep into a state of chaos from which there will be no return.

Smita Pathak