Amritsar, July 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Punjab, Congress MP from Amritsar Gurjeet Singh Aujla has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Prime Minister, urging immediate intervention on a range of issues concerning Punjab’s border districts, including national security, infrastructure, farmers’ welfare and regional development.
In the memorandum, Aujla appealed to the Centre to announce a special development package for Punjab’s border areas, particularly Amritsar, and sought decisive action to address challenges such as cross-border drone smuggling, Ravi river erosion, organised crime and delayed infrastructure projects.
‘Border Districts Need Action, Not Assurances’
Referring to the Prime Minister’s July 17 visit, Aujla noted that it would be Modi’s third visit to Punjab since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He said residents of the border belt were now expecting concrete policy decisions rather than fresh announcements.
Describing Amritsar as a strategically important international border district, Aujla said the city plays a vital role in national security, trade and economic activity but continues to face several unresolved developmental and security-related challenges.
Calls for Stronger Anti-Drone Measures
The Congress MP highlighted the increasing incidents of cross-border drone smuggling involving narcotics, arms and ammunition, describing it as one of Punjab’s most serious security concerns.
He said repeated drone intrusions from across the international border have strengthened drug trafficking networks, organised crime and gangster activities in the state.
While noting that he had repeatedly raised the issue in Parliament, Aujla said seizures and arrests alone would not eliminate the problem. He urged the Centre to deploy advanced anti-drone technology along the international border, improve coordination among security agencies and launch a comprehensive operation to dismantle the entire smuggling network.
Referring to recent grenade attacks on police establishments in Punjab, Aujla also called upon the Union Home Ministry to formulate a comprehensive strategy to tackle organised crime and cross-border security threats.
Ravi River Erosion Raises Security, Agricultural Concerns
Aujla also drew attention to the continuing erosion caused by the Ravi River in border villages, particularly in Raja Sansi, Ajnala and adjoining areas.
He said riverbank erosion has resulted in significant loss of agricultural land and warned that if permanent protection measures are not undertaken, the damage could eventually impact the international border itself.
The MP sought special financial assistance from the Centre for permanent flood protection works, including stone pitching and gabion walls, while also demanding early compensation for farmers affected by erosion.
Push for Infrastructure and Employment
Emphasising the need for long-term economic development in the border district, Aujla proposed the establishment of a world-class Information Technology (IT) Hub and a multi-speciality medical hub in Amritsar to generate employment opportunities and strengthen healthcare infrastructure.
He also urged the Centre to expedite the long-pending redevelopment of the Amritsar Railway Station, stating that the project would improve urban infrastructure and further boost tourism in the historic city.
Calls for Resolution of Water Dispute
The Congress MP also requested the Central Government to facilitate an early resolution of the long-pending water dispute with Haryana, describing it as another important issue requiring immediate attention.
Key Demands in Memorandum
Among the principal demands raised before the Prime Minister were:
- Announcement of a special development package for Punjab’s border districts, especially Amritsar.
- Deployment of advanced anti-drone systems and strengthening of border security.
- A comprehensive crackdown on drug trafficking, arms smuggling and organised crime.
- Special financial assistance to prevent Ravi River erosion and compensation for affected farmers.
- Resolution of the pending Punjab-Haryana water dispute.
- Early completion of the Amritsar Railway Station redevelopment project.
- Establishment of a world-class IT Hub and multi-speciality medical hub in Amritsar.
Concluding the memorandum, Aujla expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi would give serious consideration to the concerns of Punjab’s border districts and take concrete decisions aimed at strengthening national security, safeguarding farmers’ interests and accelerating the overall development of Amritsar.
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