Punjab's Illegal Arms Crisis Deepens: Warring Alarms as Drones Fuel Smuggling

Punjab Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has issued a stark warning about the alarming proliferation of illegal weapons in Punjab, claiming firearms are as easily accessible as 'apples on street carts,' with even schoolchildren allegedly carrying them. His explosive comments highlight a critical law and order crisis, pointing to sophisticated methods like drone deliveries as a primary conduit for illicit arms, a situation he asserts is worse than the peak of terrorism in the state. The allegations from Warring, a prominent Lok Sabha MP and former Punjab Congress chief, resonate with a recent surge in cross-border smuggling from Pakistan, as evidenced by numerous police busts in October 2026. Security agencies, including the Border Security Force, have recovered hundreds of drones and a significant cache of sophisticated weapons this year alone, often revealing a nexus between foreign-based handlers, organized crime, and vulnerable youth recruited via social media to collect these illicit consignments. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann government has been under intense pressure over the deteriorating law and order situation, with the Congress leadership, including K.C. Venugopal, criticizing its handling of the drug menace and recent violent incidents. In response to this escalating threat, the Punjab government is actively preparing the 'Punjab Arms Amendment Act, 2026' to introduce stricter penalties and make illegal weapons cases non-bailable, building on previous ordinances that banned public weapon display. Additionally, Punjab Police have bolstered their defense with new anti-drone systems and dedicated response teams to intercept payloads at the border. The efficacy of these measures will be closely watched as Punjab grapples with an entrenched organized crime network exploiting modern technology to flood the state with illegal arms and narcotics, demanding a united and robust response to safeguard public safety.