In a controversial move, Jandpur village in Kharar has imposed strict regulations on its migrant residents, including a curfew restricting them from being outside after 9 PM. This decision follows a similar directive issued by a neighboring village in Kurali last month.
The village, home to approximately 2,000 residents, including 500 migrants, has put up multiple boards detailing 11 specific instructions that migrants must follow to continue living in the area. The rules include a mandatory police verification for all migrants, a prohibition on smoking, chewing tobacco (gutka), and betel leaf (paan), and the provision of dustbins by landlords renting to migrants. Additionally, the new regulations limit occupancy in rental rooms to two people, forbid migrants from roaming in incomplete attire, and hold house owners accountable for any illegal activities conducted by their tenants.
The directive has already led some migrants to leave the village, with others considering departure due to the restrictive measures. Villagers, including Sajjan Singh and Gurmeet Singh, have expressed concerns about the conduct of some migrants, including issues related to public decency and disrespect towards local religious practices.
Area councillor Govinder Singh Cheema has defended the restrictions, emphasizing the need for discipline and police verification. Cheema clarified that the rules were not solely aimed at migrants but would also apply to villagers creating disturbances at night.
The Kharar police and senior administration officials have intervened in response to the villagers’ actions. Following discussions, the authorities have instructed the villagers to modify their boards to ensure that the new regulations are applied uniformly to all residents, not just migrants. Kharar DSP Karan Sandhu stated that the police are closely monitoring the situation to maintain peace and order.
Sources By Agencies
