Panjwar:
Among the several key issues that would be dominating elections in Punjab, rehabilitation of militants living abroad is emerging as one of the major demands of many families in the state.
One of them is the Panjwar family which wants their son, Paramjit Singh Panjwar to return to his ailing father. Paramjit, one of the most-wanted terrorists belonging to the Khalistan Commando Force, is believed to be in Pakistan. He went missing when militancy in the state was at its peak. Things changed for his family too, who earlier used to wield a major influence in the Panjwar village. They now want the government to devise a rehabilitation policy to facilitate the return of their son. Several other families echo the Panjwars' demand what with over a dozen hardcore militants now staying in hiding in foreign countries.
"This issue should come up in the elections....that's how they can come back...if government shows some leniency...government can get them back in just one hour," said Paramjit's brother, Amarjit Singh,
Paramjit's sister-in-law added, "We are asking for leniency for all militants...not just Paramjit...there are many mothers and sisters who want this."
44-year-old Paramjit is wanted for reviving Sikh insurgency in Punjab, murder, conspiracy and arms smuggling. He is also suspected to be behind the murder of former Army chief General Vaidya is also an accused in one of the country's biggest bank robberies in Ludhiana.
His family can draw hope from Harminder Gill. Once considered close to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, one of the main architects of militancy in Punjab, Gill is now contesting on a Congress ticket again in the neighbouring constituency. This, he claims, is proof of the fact that militancy is now a closed chapter.
"That is no more an issue...That time has gone past...now people want peace, development and education...health care...employment," he said.
Not surprisingly, families like the Panjwars are pinning their hopes on the polls to put forth their wishlist of getting back their kin who have shunned the path of terrorism.
One of them is the Panjwar family which wants their son, Paramjit Singh Panjwar to return to his ailing father. Paramjit, one of the most-wanted terrorists belonging to the Khalistan Commando Force, is believed to be in Pakistan. He went missing when militancy in the state was at its peak. Things changed for his family too, who earlier used to wield a major influence in the Panjwar village. They now want the government to devise a rehabilitation policy to facilitate the return of their son. Several other families echo the Panjwars' demand what with over a dozen hardcore militants now staying in hiding in foreign countries.
"This issue should come up in the elections....that's how they can come back...if government shows some leniency...government can get them back in just one hour," said Paramjit's brother, Amarjit Singh,
Paramjit's sister-in-law added, "We are asking for leniency for all militants...not just Paramjit...there are many mothers and sisters who want this."
44-year-old Paramjit is wanted for reviving Sikh insurgency in Punjab, murder, conspiracy and arms smuggling. He is also suspected to be behind the murder of former Army chief General Vaidya is also an accused in one of the country's biggest bank robberies in Ludhiana.
His family can draw hope from Harminder Gill. Once considered close to Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, one of the main architects of militancy in Punjab, Gill is now contesting on a Congress ticket again in the neighbouring constituency. This, he claims, is proof of the fact that militancy is now a closed chapter.
"That is no more an issue...That time has gone past...now people want peace, development and education...health care...employment," he said.
Not surprisingly, families like the Panjwars are pinning their hopes on the polls to put forth their wishlist of getting back their kin who have shunned the path of terrorism.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
