New Delhi, Oct 13
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) General Secretary, Bikram Singh Majithia, on Tuesday condemned the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Punjab’s Mansa by a medical store owner, questioning the state government over the safety of those raising their voice against the drug menace and demanding its resignation.
In a post on X, Majithia said: “Parvinder Singh Jhota, who had been fighting a long battle against drugs in Mansa, has been murdered while exposing the alleged sale of chitta (heroin) at a medical store during a live broadcast. Bhagwant Mann, will anyone who dares to speak out be killed? People of Punjab, unite and demand answers and the resignation of this government!”
Jhota was shot dead in Mansa on Tuesday morning. The killing has raised concerns over the safety of people campaigning against drug abuse and the alleged illegal sale of intoxicating substances in the region.
According to a preliminary report, a medical store owner allegedly opened fire on the activist following tensions over his anti-drug activities. Jhota, who was associated with an anti-drug task force, had been actively campaigning against drug trafficking and the alleged sale of addictive substances.
He had reportedly confronted individuals suspected of selling drugs and mobilised local communities to oppose the menace.
Reacting to the killing, Congress leader Arshdeep Gagowal termed the incident “very unfortunate” and urged the administration to arrest those responsible at the earliest.
“It is very unfortunate. He had been fighting for the people for the past four to five years and lost his life while continuing that fight. He leaves behind young children. I urge the administration to arrest the killers as soon as possible and interrogate them,” Gagowal told IANS.
SAD leader Daljeet Singh Cheema also criticised the state government, alleging that the law and order situation in Punjab had deteriorated significantly.
“The law and order system in Punjab has collapsed, and this has been the situation for a long time. There have been grenade attacks on several police stations and police posts. The Intelligence Headquarters was also previously attacked with a rocket launcher. Attacks have also taken place on the BJP headquarters and shops owned by BJP workers. In a short span, seven police ASIs have been murdered while returning home after duty. An Amritsar-based YouTuber was also murdered recently,” Cheema said.
He further alleged that the situation had become alarming, with people opposing the drug trade facing threats to their lives.
“Forget fighting against the drug menace, the situation has reached a point where a chemist is shooting someone for objecting to drug sales. The chemist is selling drugs and shooting those who oppose it, right outside his own shop. One can only imagine what smugglers must be doing,” Cheema said.
The killing has triggered fresh political criticism of the Bhagwant Mann-led government, with Opposition leaders questioning its handling of drug trafficking and law and order in the state.
