War on Drugs: Amit Shah to Meet Families of Anti-Drug Victims in Punjab
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Punjab on October 20 to meet families of those killed for fighting drug traffickers.
In a significant move that heightens the political temperature in Punjab, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah is set to visit the state on October 20. The Home Minister will meet with the families of individuals who lost their lives after courageously speaking out against the drug trafficking networks operating in the districts of Mansa, Sangrur, and Gurdaspur.
A Direct Challenge to the AAP Government
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, alleging that the state government has allowed Punjab to sink deeper into a devastating drug crisis. Shah claimed that the policies of the current government have led to the loss of numerous young lives across the region.
The Home Minister specifically highlighted the proliferation of ‘chitta’ (heroin), asserting that drug traffickers are flourishing under the alleged protection of the AAP government. Expressing his deep condolences to the bereaved families, Shah stated that the pain of losing loved ones is beyond words and vowed that attempts to silence those fighting the drug trade would ultimately fail.
"The people of Punjab will give a strong response to those responsible," Shah asserted, reiterating the Government of India's commitment to identifying traffickers, sending them to prison, and ensuring a drug-free India.
The Political Firestorm: Kejriwal Hits Back
The announcement has sparked a fierce war of words between the BJP and AAP. AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal responded with a strongly worded post on X, turning the allegations back onto the BJP. The former Delhi Chief Minister accused the BJP of facilitating narcotics smuggling and providing state protection to gangsters.
Kejriwal alleged that the BJP had colluded with former coalition partners between 2007 and 2017 to flood the border state with drugs. He further claimed that the BJP is attempting to destabilize Punjab once again, making provocative references to the Adani port and protection provided in Sabarmati Jail to individuals promoting gangsterism in the state.
MHA Demands Reports on Violent Attacks
This political clash follows a series of violent incidents that have drawn the attention of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA has recently demanded detailed reports from the Punjab government regarding two specific cases:
The Gurdaspur Incident
The Internal Security-I Division of the MHA sought a factual report on an attack in Mari Panwan village, under the Sri Hargobindpur Police Station in Batala tehsil. The attack targeted Bikramjit Singh, Nishan Singh, and Gurmukh Singh. Tragically, Bikramjit Singh died in the assault, while the other two were left critically injured. The MHA noted that these attacks are allegedly linked to the narcotics trade and expressed concern over potential law and order ramifications.
The Killing of Parwinder Singh 'Jhota'
The Ministry has also demanded a comprehensive report on the death of anti-drug activist Parwinder Singh, popularly known as Jhota, who was killed in Mansa on October 13. Jhota was a well-known figure who campaigned against drug abuse and the illegal sale of habit-forming medicines at local chemist shops.
Jhota was known for his bold approach, often confronting suspected drug sellers and recording the encounters for social media. On the day of his death, reports indicate that Jhota and his associates had confronted a medical store owner.
As the Home Minister prepares for his visit, the MHA continues to press the Punjab government for details on the implementation of strategic priorities aimed at achieving the national goal of a drug-free India.