Chandigarh: Shutdown began in many places in Punjab on Thursday despite drizzle following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, with Opposition parties, farmer organisations, traders and social groups extending support to the protest.
The bandh, called by Jhota’s family and organisations seeking justice for the slain activist, is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing and accountability from the state administration over alleged illegal drug sales and the safety of those campaigning against the drug menace.
Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, has demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav, besides action against officials responsible for overseeing the district’s drug-control and law-and-order arrangements.
The family has also refused to cremate Jhota’s body until its demands for justice are addressed.
Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight in Mansa on Tuesday while livestreaming a confrontation with a medical store owner, Ashwani Kumar, over the alleged sale of addictive drugs.
The incident was captured on video and triggered widespread anger in the town. Police registered a case based on a complaint by Jhota’s father and arrested the main accused in Rajasthan on Wednesday.
Investigators have said that the role of any other persons involved in the alleged conspiracy will also be examined.
Jhota had become a prominent face of the campaign against the alleged illegal sale of drugs through chemist shops in the region. His killing has renewed concerns over drug abuse, the availability of habit-forming medicines and the risks faced by people confronting suspected drug sellers.
The Congress party, the Shiromani Akali Dal, the BJP and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De are among the political groups reported to have supported the bandh. Farmer unions, employee organisations and social activists have also joined the call for a statewide protest.
Farmers and members of various organisations staged a protest at Golden Gate in Amritsar, raising slogans against the state government and demanding its dismissal.
The protesters burnt an effigy of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann despite heavy rain. The demonstration was led by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, with participants accusing the state government of failing to curb the drug menace.
Tensions escalated in Mansa on Wednesday as protesters demolished and set fire to the accused’s medical store. Authorities also demolished part of his house, citing alleged unauthorised construction.
Police deployed barricades on roads leading to Mansa amid concerns over further unrest.
Chief Minister Mann has promised strict punishment for those found responsible and directed the Punjab Police to conduct a thorough investigation. He has also appealed to people to maintain peace, assuring that anyone found involved in a conspiracy would face action.
(IANS)
