Punjab bandh: Farmers protest over Parvinder Jhota's murder

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Farmers and supporters led by Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher staged a protest at the Golden Gate in Amritsar on Thursday during a Punjab bandh called against rising drug abuse and the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.

In response to the statewide shutdown call, several farmers’ unions, student organisations and trade unions announced plans to block National Highway-44, which connects Amritsar with Delhi, on Thursday.

Security was tightened across Amritsar in view of the bandh, called to protest the killing of Jhota in Mansa and demand action against those responsible. The incident has triggered widespread anger, with farmer organisations and political parties extending support to the shutdown.

Speaking to IANS, Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and its affiliated unions had taken to the streets to appeal to people to make the bandh successful.

“Punjabis have shown great support by shutting down businesses over the drug issue, according to the reports we are receiving, and I thank them for this. A large number of people gathered at the Golden Gate, where we burnt an effigy of the Bhagwant Mann government. We have demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann resign on moral grounds and that the DGP step down,” Pandher said.

Demanding an impartial investigation into Jhota’s murder, Pandher said those responsible should be brought to justice, irrespective of whether they had political connections or links to the drug trade.

“There should be an investigation into whoever is behind the chemist shop, whether a politician or someone from the mafia. There should be justice,” he said.

Questioning the state government's claim of zero tolerance towards drugs, Pandher alleged that substance abuse had become widespread in Punjab. He also called for a team of 10 doctors to examine personnel at 10 police stations, claiming that some officers might be under the influence of intoxicants. These allegations could not be independently verified.

Chief Minister Mann on Wednesday promised the strictest punishment for those involved in Jhota’s murder, as outrage over the daylight killing continued for a second consecutive day and tensions remained high in Mansa.

Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, criticised the administration and called for a Punjab bandh on October 15. The demand received support from Opposition parties, farmer organisations and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).

CM Mann has reiterated that his government followed a zero-tolerance policy towards drug smuggling and would not shield anyone involved in the illegal trade.

“We have launched a war against chitta and other drugs. Anyone found involved will face strict action, irrespective of who they are,” the Chief Minister said.

He also appealed to the public to maintain peace and assured them that everyone found responsible for the killing would face punishment.

Political parties also extended their support to the bandh. Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon announced on Wednesday that his party would fully support the shutdown.

Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh also expressed solidarity with Jhota’s family, saying the party would raise its voice at every level to ensure justice for the anti-drug activist.

The bandh has intensified demands for accountability and stronger action against drug abuse in Punjab, with protesters seeking a thorough investigation into Jhota’s killing and measures to tackle the state’s drug problem.