Saturday, March 29, 2025
In a controversial move, the migrant families expelled from a Punjab village after their children were caught committing thefts at a local religious site. The Panchayat of Narangwal Kalan has announced that the expelled families will also be barred from enrolling as voters in the village, making this an unprecedented decision.
During a General Body Meeting (Aam Izlas), village Sarpanch Manjinder Mani Grewal made the announcement that migrant families expelled Punjab village would no longer be allowed to register as voters. Additionally, the Panchayat ordered that two families whose children had committed theft be forced to leave within 24 hours to prevent other children from imitating their actions.
Although videos of this resolution have spread widely on social media, the local administration has not yet made an official response.
According to Sarpanch Grewal, the children were caught red-handed committing theft at a religious site on Lohgarh Road. As a result, the Panchayat decided that the families must leave the village within 24 hours. “We cannot allow such behavior to go unaddressed,” Grewal said. He added that the families had been previously fined in June 2022 for similar incidents and had been warned.
The village’s decision has sparked debates in the community. Some villagers agree with the Panchayat’s actions, believing it is necessary to maintain order. Others question the fairness of expelling families over the actions of their children.
Despite the Panchayat’s resolution, the local administration has not yet taken any action. Dehlon BDPO Jastinder Singh Jhall stated that the administration is awaiting the official meeting proceedings before making a decision. “We have not received the formal documents yet, but we will consult with senior officials once we do,” Jhall said.
The 24-hour deadline for the families to vacate has passed. However, only one family has left so far, while the other is still looking for a new place to stay. Both families attended the Panchayat meeting but have not yet formally challenged the decision.
The Panchayat’s resolution also includes a ban on enrolling future migrants as voters in the village. This has further divided the local community. Some support the decision, while others believe it is too harsh.
