Jalandhar: Strengthen policing, review gun licenses, and educate the youth.

Jalandhar: The unfortunate and growing trend of displaying physical prowess among our youth is a matter of grave concern for society. The increasing reliance on coercion and violent means to settle scores reflects a very dangerous mindset for the holistic development of any community and society at large. The dwindling trust and rising corruption stemming from a lack of faith in government agencies and administrative efficiency to resolve individual or social issues must be curbed to achieve a peaceful and progressive social environment in the long run. Our parenting and education systems, which have failed in their duties towards the youth, are largely responsible for this decline. Children need to imbibe the mental and intellectual qualities necessary for holistic personal development, especially in the context of social behavior. On the other hand, administrative and government agencies must step up to maintain the basic foundations of law and order, particularly with regard to the growing gun culture and the glorification of violence among misguided youth. Strict enforcement of laws, including those governing public order and traffic rules and other regulations governing public conduct, is paramount. There is also an urgent need to revisit the cultural values ​​established through traditions, literature, music, and social media for community improvement, so that the growing void among the youth can be filled with healthy, positive, productive, and creative pursuits.
Tackling Rising Gun Crimes
The dramatic increase in bizarre shooting incidents paints a grim picture of the rising crime rate in the state. Contrary to the government’s claims that law and order are under control, incidents of chain snatching, road rage over petty disputes, arson, and robberies at gunpoint are surfacing with alarming regularity. These incidents clearly point to a serious deterioration in public safety. While cases related to old feuds and extortion rackets are not new, a disturbing trend has emerged where gangsters operating from foreign soil are promoting gun culture and luring unsuspecting youth through social media platforms. This new dimension of organized crime is far more dangerous. The recent audacious murders of Kabaddi players and promoters further indicate that criminals and anti-social elements no longer fear the police or law enforcement agencies. Even more alarming is the increasing involvement of youth in such crimes, a phenomenon that cannot be taken lightly. With public trust at stake, it is high time to take decisive and revolutionary steps to ensure the safety and security of citizens. The situation demands a thorough introspection of the strategies and mechanisms adopted by the administration to curb terrorism and criminal activities. The youth must be prevented from falling prey to nefarious elements and guided towards the right career paths. Clearly, more opportunities for meaningful employment are the need of the hour, for which the education curriculum needs to be revamped towards skill development and entrepreneurship. Law and order, which is the essence of an orderly society, must be ensured at all costs, leaving no room for coercion or indiscipline. The use of modern technology and AI-based techniques for early detection and prevention of crime should become an integral part of investigations. Simultaneously, the public must cooperate with the authorities in taking action against miscreants to ensure a life of peace and prosperity for all.
Preventing Radicalization of Youth
Punjab, once known as the land of peace and prosperity, now seems to be heading in a completely different direction – an atmosphere of anger and resentment with a future that appears to be going astray. Following recent arrests in the city, this issue has resurfaced and shaken the very foundations of morality and public safety. Due to petty gang wars and rivalries, innocent lives are being put at risk, and the situation is far worse than imagined. The youth of Punjab, in particular, have become the prime targets of brainwashing, which is one of the main reasons behind such dangerous consequences. The government must address this issue immediately before it escalates further. To instill fear in wrongdoers and foster a sense of security among the public, a 24/7 police surveillance and vigilance system should be implemented. Furthermore, CCTV monitoring and AI-based motion detectors should be installed in high-risk areas prone to violent activities, leveraging the power of technology and saving manpower for better governance. Schools and colleges should also raise awareness about such issues to reach the right people and protect innocent youth from things that could ruin their lives. Overall, these steps can help make Punjab a safer and less dangerous place for everyone.