The opposition in Punjab on Wednesday attacked the AAP government over the shooting incident involving migrant labourers in Moga. They urged the Bhagwant Mann government to wake up from its “slumber” and take strict action.
Opposition leaders also called for strong steps against elements trying to divide society.
Two migrant labourers were injured on Tuesday when three unidentified men on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at a group of workers in Moga district. The incident took place on Zira road when the workers were heading out for a meal after finishing their shift at a factory.
After the incident, an unverified post appeared on Instagram, in which a user named Nirvair Singh claimed responsibility for the firing. The post also carried a video of the alleged attack.
Police said efforts were underway to trace the attackers and that the case was being investigated from all angles. Condemning the incident, Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said migrant labourers were being targeted as part of a larger conspiracy.
In a post on X, Jakhar said that earlier businessmen were targeted in Punjab, which discouraged new industries from investing in the state. He said the attack in Moga showed that migrant workers were now being targeted, calling it against the spirit of Punjabiyat. He added that migrant labourers play a vital role in Punjab’s industry and agriculture.
"This is a highly condemnable act. The Bhagwant Mann government should wake up from its slumber and show the courage to take action against the forces that are creating divisions in society and disrupting the law and order situation,” Jakhar said.
The unverified post claimed that the firing on workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar was conducted by Ladi Bhalwan and Nirvair Singh.
It described the attack as a form of “protest” against migrant workers and warned of more violence if they were not driven out of villages and towns.
The post also referred to past crimes involving migrant workers and warned village heads and panchayat members against helping them get Aadhaar cards and allowing them to stay for electoral gains.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring described the incident as “alarming and disturbing.”
In a post on X, Warring said "Nip the evil in the bud. Attack on migrant labourers must be probed and the guilty given exemplary punishment. We have to defeat such forces while remaining united. I hope the @AAPPunjab Government and also the Government of India take serious note of it.” “We must rise above politics to counter this serious threat to our Punjab,” he added.
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said that after lawlessness and gangster rule, a new conspiracy now seemed to be unfolding in the state.
In a post on X, Badal said “This firing on migrant labourers in Moga is enough to understand the sinister move. The @AamAadmiParty govt under @ArvindKejriwal's remote control, Chief Minister @BhagwantMann, and their notorious ‘Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed’ strategy are directly responsible for this state of affairs.”
He warned that urgent steps were needed to prevent Punjab from becoming a battleground of division, coercion and chaos.
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