Call for Statewide Shutdown in Punjab Following Anti-Drug Activists Murder
Punjab faces a statewide shutdown in response to the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jota, sparking protests and demands for accountability.
Chandigarh, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Activists in Punjab have called for a statewide shutdown following the murder of anti-drug campaigner Parvinder Singh Jota. The shutdown, which is supported by various political parties and organizations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Congress, and farmers’ unions, is set to disrupt daily life across the state.
The shutdown is scheduled to last from 6 AM to 5 PM, affecting shops, transportation services, and other institutions. This significant disruption is expected to impact daily commuters and residents alike. The broad support from religious, political, and agricultural organizations aims to draw attention to Jota’s murder and the rampant drug trafficking issues within the state.
The Joint Action Committee, formed after the incident, has organized the shutdown and is demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and the removal of Police Chief Gaurav Yadav. They are also calling for a post-mortem to be conducted by a panel from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.
In Jota’s hometown of Mansa, protesters have vowed not to allow his last rites to take place until their demands are met. The victim’s family expressed frustration over the delay in filing a First Information Report (FIR), stating it was registered approximately 30 hours after the murder. They allege serious negligence on the part of the police during and after the incident.
The SGPC has announced that its offices and institutions will be closed in support of the shutdown. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and emphasized the ongoing campaign against drug abuse.
Jota, 45, was shot on Tuesday during an argument with Ashwani Kumar, the owner of a medical store in Mansa, who was allegedly selling drugs. The confrontation was broadcast live on Facebook, and four of Jota’s associates were injured in the shooting. Following the murder, protests erupted in Mansa, with residents demanding action against those involved in the illegal drug trade.
In anticipation of further protests, police have increased security in the area. The suspect has since been apprehended in Rajasthan.
