Udta Punjab 2.0: Migrated Sikhs, empty villages a poll dampener

Punjab's declining Sikh population, Khalistani resurgence are issues the parties aren't talking about

In the village of Awam in Punjab’s Kapurthala district, the houses are palatial and the streets are well-paved. But most of the mansions are locked and there’s hardly anyone to be seen outside. The name plates on the houses tell you that they belong to Sikh families whose country of residence is elsewhere. The Baz family is in USA, says one name plate. Mr Kartar Singh is in Italy, says another. The only school on the outskirts of the village is called Los Angeles International Public School. Further down the road a health centre is called “NRI health centre”.

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