Giani Raghbir Singh Slams Government Absence in Punjab Floods as Community Groups Lead Massive Relief Effort
In a recent report by the Punjabi Lok Channel from the flood-ravaged village of Lakhowal, prominent religious figures and volunteers have sharply criticized the government’s response to the crisis, while religious and non-governmental organizations mobilize to provide essential aid. The video, titled “ਭੜਕੇ ਗਿਆਨੀ ਰਘਬੀਰ ਸਿੰਘ ਜਿਸ ਰਾਜੇ ਨੂੰ ਰਾਜ ਨਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਆਵੇ, ਮਰ ਜਾਣਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ,” captures the stark contrast between official neglect and community solidarity.
“A Ruler Who Cannot Govern Should Die”
Expressing profound anger and disappointment, Giani Raghbir Singh, a former Hazuri Ragi, issued a blistering condemnation of the political leadership. He stated, “A king who does not know how to rule should die. A ruler who does not protect his subjects has no right to live”. He argued that leaders who are elected and given high positions and privileges by the public have a duty to stand with them in times of crisis. Giani Raghbir Singh contrasted the current absence of politicians with their likely presence if elections were imminent, accusing them of showing temporary sympathy only to secure votes. He noted that while some leaders visit in boats, they are disconnected from the people’s suffering, discussing trivial matters like Goa.
Devastation and Neglect in Lakhowal
The report highlights the dire situation in Lakhowal village, where locals state that no government representative or administrative officer has visited to check on their well-being. The area is severely damaged, with farmland submerged under eight to ten feet of water, destroying crops and animal fodder. Multiple speakers describe the current floods as more destructive than the historic floods of 1988. Residents are facing significant health issues, including fever, high blood pressure, and diabetes, with an urgent need for medical attention.
Community and Religious Organizations Step In
In the vacuum left by the government, a massive relief effort has been launched by community groups, religious organizations, and individuals.
- The organization Teri Ot Aashiana, led by Katha Vachak Bhai Bhupinder Singh, has been instrumental in providing aid. They have set up a medical van and are distributing medicines, fruit, and water. Their future plans include distributing a large number of candles and matches and commissioning a boat for relief work.
- Other major religious bodies, including the Dal Panth 96 Karori Panth Akali Budha Dal and representatives like Baba Gurdev Singh Ji Kuli Wale, have arrived with truckloads of relief materials, including animal fodder, rations, and thousands of water bottles.
- Artists, singers, and NRI Punjabis are also contributing to the relief efforts, demonstrating widespread solidarity.
One speaker, Bhai Bhupinder Singh, suggested the floods are not merely a natural disaster but a “conspiracy to destroy Punjab”. However, he also expressed faith in the region’s resilience, quoting Professor Puran Singh: “Neither Hindu nor Muslim, Punjab lives in the name of the Gurus”.
Urgent Health Crisis and a Call to Action
A doctor from Amritsar’s EMC hospital, who has been on the ground for four days, warned of the impending health crisis. He noted that once the floodwaters recede, there will be a surge in diseases like dengue, malaria, and typhoid. His hospital has reserved ten beds for the free treatment of flood victims on the recommendation of the DC. He made a heartfelt appeal to other private hospitals and doctors to step forward, stating, “This is the time to serve humanity… come forward to save Punjab and Punjabiyat”.
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mT1Uspg2pc
