Making a Zero Hour mention amidst slogan-shouting by BSP and SP members in the Well, former Union Minister Ashwani Kumar said Punjab was facing a "grave situation" with law and order "deteriorating", as sentiments were being stroked in the name of religion decades after militancy ended there.
The social atmosphere was being charged up in the name of religion, he said and claimed "there are dark clouds of terrorism looming over Punjab again."
"Youth are roaming around with naked swords intimidating the public," he said alleging that memorials for "killers" of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and former chief minister Beant Singh were being built. He also claimed that a large chunk of the youth in the state had fallen victim to drugs.
Kumar said no issue is bigger than terrorism and such forces have to be reined in.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
)