'Government Exposed': Hundreds of Akali Dal Waris Punjab De Leaders Detained
Hundreds of Akali Dal Waris Punjab De workers face arrest or house arrest following the death of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota.
A massive political confrontation has erupted in Punjab as the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De party alleged that hundreds of its leaders and workers were arrested or placed under house arrest on Wednesday. The party claims these actions were taken to prevent them from protesting against the state's ongoing drug menace and to stop them from reaching Mansa.
Allegations of Suppressing Anti-Drug Voices
In a scathing social media post, the party accused the state government of attempting to silence those who dare to speak out against the drug crisis. The party stated that by detaining activists, the government has effectively "exposed its true stance" regarding the drug trade.
"We warn the government that Punjab has never bowed to oppression and never will," the party declared, urging its workers to continue protesting wherever they are if they are prevented from reaching their destination. The party further accused the police and the government of protecting the drug trade instead of combating it.
The Catalyst: Death of Activist Parminder Singh Jhota
The current unrest stems from the tragic death of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota. Jhota was reportedly shot by a medical shop owner and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. His death has ignited a fierce political battle, with opposition parties targeting the Bhagwant Mann-led administration over perceived failures in law and order.
Police Claim 'Personal Enmity'
While the political temperature rises, the Punjab Police have offered a different perspective. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harjeet Singh stated that preliminary investigations suggest the killing was motivated by "personal enmity" rather than activism. He confirmed that multiple teams have been formed to catch the prime suspect and that one associate of the suspect has already been arrested.
NHRC Intervenes Amid Safety Concerns
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken serious cognisance of the incident. The commission has demanded an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the authorities and has written to the Chief Secretary, requesting measures to ensure the safety of individuals working against drug abuse to prevent such fatalities in the future.
A Family Seeking Justice and Protection
The family of the deceased activist has expressed deep distrust in the local authorities. Parminder Singh Jhota's mother alleged that her son had frequently voiced fears for his life, claiming he had numerous enemies. She also accused the police of failing to inform the family about the incident in a timely manner.
In a desperate plea for help, Jhota's father has appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He requested protection for his grandchildren, alleging that the Punjab government failed to protect his son. Despite the tragedy, the father vowed to continue the fight against the drug menace for the rest of his life.