Warrior's Farewell: Emotional Tribute for Slain Anti-Drug Activist Parminder Singh Jhota
Family of slain activist Parminder Singh Jhota pays emotional tribute in Punjab, urging youth to renounce drugs this Diwali.
In a poignant scene in Mansa, Punjab, the family and supporters of Parminder Singh Jhota, a dedicated anti-drug activist, are preparing to bid him a final farewell. Instead of traditional mourning, the family is treating the occasion as a tribute to a "warrior" who spent his life fighting the devastating drug menace that has plagued the state. Jhota was shot dead on October 13, an act that has sparked both grief and political turmoil across Punjab.
A Celebration of Sacrifice
As the last rites were scheduled for Sunday, family members expressed a unique sense of pride. Rather than focusing solely on the tragedy of his death, they intend to welcome his mortal remains with showers of flower petals, symbolizing respect for his contribution to society.
"Our warrior is arriving. We feel so much joy—people usually mourn, but we are joyous," shared a family member, drawing parallels between Jhota's sacrifice and the historical struggles of their community.
The decision to honor him in this manner is further bolstered by the title of "martyr" conferred upon him by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib. Relative Jaspal emphasized that this recognition from the supreme authority underscores the significance of Jhota's fight, comparing his dedication to the sacrifices made by the ten Gurus of Punjab.
A Diwali Pledge for the Youth
The timing of the cremation, coinciding with the festival of Diwali, was intentional. Jhota's father, Bhim Singh, has turned this moment of personal loss into a public call for change. Following the post-mortem examination at PGIMER Chandigarh, Bhim Singh made a heartfelt appeal to the young people of Punjab.
He urged the youth to mark the festival of lights not just with celebrations, but by taking a solemn pledge to completely renounce intoxicants. "Let us create history this Diwali," he stated, hoping that his son's sacrifice would inspire a generation to eradicate drug abuse from the state entirely.
Security Concerns and Political Fallout
The killing of Parminder Singh Jhota has not only left a void in the anti-drug movement but has also ignited a fierce political battle. Opposition leaders have slammed the Bhagwant Mann-led government, questioning the state of law and order and the efficacy of the administration's crackdown on narcotics.
Adding to the tension, Bhim Singh has raised serious alarms regarding the safety of his grandchildren. He alleged that the Punjab government failed to provide his son with adequate security despite known threats. In a desperate plea, the father has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting federal intervention to ensure the security of the remaining family members.
Investigation Underway
As the family gathers for the final rites, the legal battle for justice continues. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has re-registered the murder case and has launched a detailed probe to uncover those responsible for the assassination of the activist.