Mansa, October 14
Punjab Congress leader and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring today visited the family of Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was brutally shot dead in broad daylight in Mansa, and expressed his condolences. He strongly condemned the murder, describing it as a chilling reflection of the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab.
Warring said the killing of a young man who had raised his voice against drugs was a matter of grave concern for Punjab and Punjabis across the world. He said the incident had once again exposed the state government’s failure to effectively tackle the drug menace and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Recalling his earlier support for the family, Warring said that three years ago, when a case was registered against Parvinder Singh Jhota for raising his voice against drugs, he had stood with the family. Even then, the fight against drugs demanded serious and decisive action, he said.
“If the government had acted firmly against drug suppliers and dismantled the supply network at that time, could this tragedy have been prevented? This is a question the Punjab government must answer. Who will take responsibility for this failure?” Warring asked.
Warring said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had promised to eliminate the drug menace within a month and a half, and the government had subsequently launched campaigns such as the ‘War Against Drugs’, spending crores of rupees of public money. However, these campaigns had largely failed to deliver the promised results, he alleged.
Warring said Parvinder Singh Jhota had shown courage by confronting alleged drug peddlers, exposing their activities and bringing the issue to public attention. He alleged that despite repeated concerns being raised about drug trafficking, the government had failed to take effective action against those responsible.
Questioning the government’s priorities, Warring said publicity campaigns and statements could not replace concrete action on the ground. He demanded accountability from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the police and the state administration for the continuing drug crisis and deteriorating law and order.
Warring further demanded that the government recognise Parvinder Singh Jhota’s contribution to the fight against drugs, accord him martyr status and pass a resolution to this effect in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. He also urged the Chief Minister and the state government to visit the bereaved family, share their grief and address their concerns.
Announcing the Punjab Congress’s next course of action, Warring said the party had called for protests across its blocks and districts to demand justice and accountability. He asserted that Congress would continue to stand with the family and raise its voice against the drug menace until justice was delivered.
“Punjab cannot afford any more excuses. When a citizen is shot dead in broad daylight and the drug menace continues to threaten the future of our youth, the government cannot escape responsibility. If Bhagwant Mann’s government cannot ensure the safety of its people, it must take moral responsibility and resign,” Warring said.