India, Feb. 19 -- In recent discussions within Punjab, a sentiment is growing that the state has been sidelined from the national agenda. While this may not fully reflect the reality, this perception persists due to the state's prolonged neglect and unresolved issues that have sparked ongoing agitations, particularly among farmers and youngsters. These problems, widely acknowledged but insufficiently debated or addressed, leave many Punjabis concerned that the hard-earned peace in the state could be jeopardised, deepening their sense of alienation.

Punjab's economy is underperforming, its political system is unstable despite the state's once glorious legacy, and its bureaucracy has stagnated, often overlooking critical lessons from histo...