Punjab Bandh: Heavy police deployment in Amritsar over anti-drug activist’s killing in Mansa
Heavy police deployment in Amritsar as farmers and workers call for a Punjab Bandh following the murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota.
Amritsar, Punjab: A massive police presence was witnessed across Amritsar on Thursday as a statewide Punjab Bandh, called by various farmers' and workers' organisations, brought parts of the state to a standstill. The shutdown was triggered by the recent murder of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in the Mansa district.
Security Tightened in Amritsar
To prevent any escalation of violence and to maintain law and order, authorities have deployed a significant number of police personnel throughout the city. Speaking to the media, Jaskaran Singh Teja, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), City, confirmed that the situation remained peaceful despite the call for the shutdown.
DCP Teja emphasized that while the police are prepared for any contingency, they would not allow any group to coerce the public. "We have deployed sufficient force. We will not let anyone take the law into their own hands," the DCP stated. He further clarified that while business owners have the right to close their shops voluntarily, no one would be forced to participate in the bandh against their will.
Roadblocks and Protests Erupt
The impact of the bandh was felt heavily on the highways, with locals blocking the Bathinda-Mansa road near Bhaini Bagha village. According to leaders from the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), the shutdown is a joint effort by several major unions, including the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Punjab.
KMM leaders reported that traffic flow was significantly reduced and many commercial establishments remained shuttered. The protest is not just a reaction to a single murder but a broader indictment of the current administration's handling of the narcotics crisis in the state.
Accusations Against the State Government
The protesting unions have directed their fury toward the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, accusing it of failing to curb the drug menace. The leaders have vehemently rejected claims that the murder of Parminder Singh Jhota was a result of personal rivalry, instead labeling it a targeted hit by the drug mafia.
Demands for Resignations
The KMM leadership has issued a scathing critique of the state's "zero-tolerance" policy regarding drugs, alleging that drug sales have actually reached a peak under the current regime. This has led to several high-profile demands, including:
- The immediate resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
- The resignation of the Director General of Police (DGP).
- A complete overhaul of the state's law and order machinery.
"This is not a good statement for the peace of Punjab that it was a personal rivalry. There was no enmity; Palvinder Singh was murdered by the drug mafia," a KMM leader stated, demanding accountability for the deteriorating security situation.
Appeal for Emergency Services
Despite the intensity of the protests, union leaders have made a humanitarian appeal to the public. They have urged citizens to ensure that the bandh does not obstruct essential services. The leaders specifically requested that:
- Patients requiring urgent medical attention be allowed free passage.
- Wedding processions remain unhindered.
- Passengers facing emergencies, including those arriving from airports, be given priority.