Chandigarh, October 13
Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa today said the killing of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa had raised grave questions about the Aam Aadmi Party government’s much-publicised ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign.
Bajwa said the incident must be seen against a disturbing series of cases involving people who have raised concerns about the availability of drugs in Punjab.
In September, Gulzar Singh of Sangrur died after allegedly consuming poison, following claims that he was threatened and harassed after questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the availability of chitta and his son’s addiction. Police registered a case against the sarpanch and others on allegations of abetment to suicide and related offences.
Days later, Jagseer Singh, also known as Jagga, allegedly consumed poison outside the Sangrur district administrative complex after claiming that he and his family had been threatened and assaulted for raising the drug issue. The allegations are under investigation.
Bajwa also referred to reports of the alleged torture of Mohanjit Singh after he protested against the government’s handling of drugs during Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s rally in Sangrur. Earlier cases involving Ram Gopal, Harbhagwan Singh, Jasvir Singh and Mohinder Singh have also raised concerns about the safety of people associated with anti-drug efforts. The circumstances and motives in these separate cases require careful investigation.
“From people losing their lives to citizens alleging threats and intimidation, these incidents demand serious answers. What protection is available to ordinary Punjabis who dare to speak against drugs? The government must ensure that every complaint is investigated impartially and that nobody faces intimidation for raising a legitimate public concern,” Bajwa said.
He demanded a thorough investigation into Jhota’s murder, the arrest of those responsible and effective protection for anti-drug activists.
Bajwa also cautioned against attempts to give the incident a religious colour or create hostility between communities. He urged Punjabis to reject divisive agendas and safeguard the state’s peace, brotherhood and communal harmony.
“Punjab must unite against drugs, crime and intimidation. Our fight is against the drug menace, not against any community. Punjab deserves justice, accountability and a genuine war against drugs—not slogans and photo opportunities,” he added.
