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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Indian Express
Punjabis falling prey to ‘human trafficking': NAPA seeks scrutiny of ads by travel agents
Chandigarh: The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has called for stringent scrutiny of foreign job advertisements by travel agents in Punjab, claiming people from the state were falling prey to human trafficking and deceptive migration schemes. Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director of the US-based NAPA, emphasised that every year, hundreds of young Punjabis, driven by the dream of a better future in Western nations, end up being exploited by unregulated agents. These agents often work through sophisticated networks and use flashy advertisements in newspapers, social media, and local TV channels to lure innocent people. 'They are promised high-paying jobs abroad, but instead, many are abandoned in transit countries or forced into inhumane conditions. These agents charge anywhere between Rs 20 and 50 lakh, pushing families into lifelong debt,' he said. He alleged that unscrupulous agents, operating not only from Punjab but also from metropolitan hubs like New Delhi and even foreign countries like the USA, are running a parallel economy based on deceit and exploitation. 'There must be a system in place to scrutinise whether a travel agent has valid licenses and legal authorisations to offer jobs overseas,' Chahal asserted. He recommended that all job-related advertisements by travel agents should be vetted by authorities such as the Protector of Emigrants and local police departments. He also stressed the need for digital tracking and reporting mechanisms to monitor these agents' activities across states and international jurisdictions. Chahal warned that the unchecked flow of irregular migration not only affects individuals but also tarnishes the reputation of the entire Indian diaspora. 'There are countless cases of Punjabi youths being jailed in Mexico, Panama, and other Latin American countries while en route to the USA or Canada. The rampant violation of their basic human rights in these regions is alarming,' he said. He called upon both Indian and international authorities to take coordinated action. 'Transit and destination countries must treat such migrants as victims rather than criminals. Stronger international cooperation is required to dismantle human trafficking syndicates,' he said. Chahal also proposed the creation of a comprehensive national and international database to monitor patterns in illegal migration. Chahal urged the Indian government to initiate awareness drives in rural and semi-urban areas where such fraudulent practices are most prevalent.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
NAPA seeks stricter checks on travel ads as Punjabis fall to trafficking
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has called for stringent scrutiny of foreign job advertisements by travel agents in Punjab, claiming people from the state were falling prey to human trafficking and deceptive migration schemes. Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director of the US-based NAPA, emphasised that every year, hundreds of young Punjabis, driven by the dream of a better future in Western nations, end up being exploited by unregulated agents. These agents often work through sophisticated networks and use flashy advertisements in newspapers, social media, and local TV channels to lure innocent people. "They are promised high-paying jobs abroad, but instead, many are abandoned in transit countries or forced into inhumane conditions. These agents charge anywhere between Rs 20 and 50 lakh, pushing families into lifelong debt," he said. He alleged that unscrupulous agents, operating not only from Punjab but also from metropolitan hubs like New Delhi and even foreign countries like the USA, are running a parallel economy based on deceit and exploitation. "There must be a system in place to scrutinise whether a travel agent has valid licenses and legal authorisations to offer jobs overseas," Chahal asserted. He recommended that all job-related advertisements by travel agents should be vetted by authorities such as the Protector of Emigrants and local police departments. He also stressed the need for digital tracking and reporting mechanisms to monitor these agents' activities across states and international jurisdictions. Chahal warned that the unchecked flow of irregular migration not only affects individuals but also tarnishes the reputation of the entire Indian diaspora. "There are countless cases of Punjabi youths being jailed in Mexico, Panama, and other Latin American countries while en route to the USA or Canada. The rampant violation of their basic human rights in these regions is alarming," he said. He called upon both Indian and international authorities to take coordinated action. "Transit and destination countries must treat such migrants as victims rather than criminals. Stronger international cooperation is required to dismantle human trafficking syndicates," he said. Chahal also proposed the creation of a comprehensive national and international database to monitor patterns in illegal migration. Chahal urged the Indian government to initiate awareness drives in rural and semi-urban areas where such fraudulent practices are most prevalent.
Deccan Herald
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Act immediately to retrieve Guru Granth Sahib 'saroops' from Iran: NAPA urges SGPC
Satnam Singh Chahal, the executive director of the association, urged the SGPC to immediately arrange a chartered aircraft and deploy a group of five dedicated Sikhs to accompany the 'saroops' (physical copy of Guru Granth Sahib) back home with full respect.
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Business Standard
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
NAPA urges immediate reopening of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for Sikhs
Satnam Singh Chahal, the executive director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), on Saturday appealed to the government of India to immediately reopen the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, enabling Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan, one of the most sacred sites in Sikhism. Chahal said Pakistan continues to keep its side of the corridor open, allowing pilgrims from around the world to visit the holy shrine. In contrast, the closure on the Indian side has left millions of Sikhs in the country disheartened, spiritually disconnected, and deeply disappointed, Chahal said. "The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a historic milestone symbolising peace, interfaith harmony, and the spiritual rights of Sikhs," Chahal said. Its continued closure due to political or administrative reasons is not only unjustified but deeply hurtful to the sentiments of the Sikh community. The Indian government must rise above political considerations and prioritise the emotional and religious needs of the Sikh population," he said. Chahal stressed that reopening the corridor is not merely a logistical matter, but also a sacred obligation to the community. "Kartarpur Sahib is not just a religious site; it is the spiritual heartbeat of every Sikh. Blocking access to such a sacred place is an affront to our collective faith and identity," he said. NAPA believes that reopening the corridor would not only uphold religious freedom but also foster goodwill, strengthen cross-border people-to-people ties, and promote regional peace, he said. NAPA expresses its sincere hope and confidence that the government of India will take prompt and positive action to restore access to Kartarpur Sahib for Indian Sikh devotees, ensuring they are able to fulfil their religious duties and seek spiritual solace without hindrance, Chahal said.
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Business Standard
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Diaspora body slams Punjab govt for acquiring farmland around Ludhiana
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), representing the Punjabi diaspora across the US, Canada, and the UK, has strongly criticised the Punjab government's decision to acquire 25,000 acres of agricultural land surrounding Ludhiana. In a statement released on Saturday (May 24), NAPA executive director Satnam Singh Chahal demanded that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Cabinet withdraw the proposal without delay. "The move to acquire nearly all farmland within a kilometre radius of Ludhiana — one of Punjab's most fertile regions — poses a catastrophic threat to the livelihood of farmers," said Chahal. According to him, the land acquisition will impact over 150 villages and approximately 50,000 farming families in Ludhiana district. He said these families have depended on these lands for generations. 'Alarming disconnect between AAP and rural Punjab' Chahal further alleged that Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema played a role in influencing the decision. He claimed that the market value of agricultural land in the region is between ₹5 crore and ₹10 crore per acre, and once taken, farmers would be left without viable means to sustain themselves. "This decision reflects an alarming disconnect between the AAP leadership and the rural backbone of Punjab," Chahal said. NAPA estimates that the overall economic fallout from the land acquisition could cross ₹2 trillion, calling it one of the largest forced land transfers in recent memory in Punjab. "Punjab is already grappling with the consequences of unchecked urbanisation. This large-scale land grab will only deepen the ecological crisis," Chahal added. Diaspora plans global opposition The association has pledged to mobilise the global Punjabi community through peaceful protests, legal steps, and international awareness campaigns. NAPA has also sought an urgent meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to voice its concerns. Meanwhile, local resistance to the land acquisition proposal is also gaining strength. On Wednesday (May 21), the Punjab chapter of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) held a gathering in Bhanohar village, attended by farmers from nearly 30 villages. Political leaders including Dakha MLA and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) rebel Manpreet Singh Ayali, and Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira also joined the meeting. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal has begun visiting the affected villages and has announced a protest outside the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) office on May 29. Farmer organisations such as Bhartiya Kisan Union Dakaunda have declared their opposition to the acquisition, warning that it threatens their land rights and livelihoods. NAPA's broader advocacy This is not the first time NAPA has taken up issues affecting Punjab. In February this year, the organisation urged the state government to create a rehabilitation fund for young people deported from the United States. This followed the arrival of a US military aircraft at Amritsar airport carrying undocumented immigrants from Punjab and neighbouring states. Earlier, NAPA also appealed to the Centre to officially grant 'martyr' status to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. Notably, NAPA describes itself as a global organisation -- with chapters in USA,Canada and United Kingdom -- working to serve and empower the Indian diaspora across continents.
