Philippines unsafe for Punjabi's, says Minister

Chandigarh, Jul 13: Punjab minister for NRI affairs Amarjeet Singh Samra today cautioned the people of the state against sunning in lending business in the Philippines as it was not only ''an unpredictable business'' but could also ''puse a danger to life''.

In a statement issued here yesterday the Minister said that it had come to the notice of the External Affairs ministry that people from the rural areas of Punjab, who had migrated to Philippines were operating as money lenders. Such activities had attracted adverse publicity in the Filipino press and had also causted resentment against the Indians living in that country, he said.

He further said there were also reports with the External Affairs ministry that Punjabis in the money lending business had joined hands with mafia gangs comprising of Chinese and Filipinos, who are engaged in organised crime of extortion and kidnapping.

The Minister expressed concern over the series of murders of punjabis that have taken place mainly in and around Manila in the last one year. He pointed that the state government on the advise of the External Affairs ministry had already directed the Deputy Commissioners of all districts to create awareness among the people of the state over the issue.

UNI