Tarsem Singh Slams Punjab Govt Over Activist Murder
Akali Dal leader Tarsem Singh accuses the Punjab government of failing to protect anti-drug activists following the killing of Parminder Singh Jhota.
The political atmosphere in Punjab has reached a boiling point following the killing of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota in Mansa. Tarsem Singh, the Working President of Akali Dal Waris Punjab De, has launched a scathing attack on the state administration, accusing the government of failing to curb the drug menace and actively suppressing those who dare to speak out against it.
Allegations of Suppressing Voices
Speaking on the tragic death of Jhota, Tarsem Singh expressed deep grief and demanded the immediate resignation of the state government. He alleged that instead of receiving state protection, individuals who raise their voices against drug trafficking are being targeted and harassed. "People who speak out against drugs are being targeted instead of receiving protection," Singh stated, highlighting a dangerous trend in the state's law and order situation.
The Akali Dal leader further claimed that several individuals who participated in anti-drug campaigns, including those associated with Amritpal Singh, have faced police action and imprisonment. He noted that Parminder Singh Jhota had been a vocal critic of the drug trade and had even faced legal cases against him in the past for his activism.
Demands for Impartial Investigation
As the investigation into the murder begins, Tarsem Singh has called for a thorough and impartial probe to uncover the truth. He urged the police to look beyond the immediate circumstances and identify any links between the perpetrators and influential individuals who may be profiting from the drug trade.
The leader also issued a stern warning to the authorities, cautioning against any attempts to eliminate the accused through staged encounters. He insisted that the entire conspiracy behind the killing of the activist must be brought to light to ensure true justice is served.
Balwinder Kaur Questions Government's 'War on Drugs'
The criticism of the state's anti-drug initiative was echoed by Balwinder Kaur, the mother of Amritpal Singh. She questioned the sincerity of the government's "War Against Drugs" campaign, pointing out a glaring contradiction in the state's approach.
"A person who raised his voice against drugs has been murdered, while those allegedly involved in the drug trade are being protected and rewarded," Kaur alleged. She expressed profound concern over the growing atmosphere of fear and insecurity in Punjab, noting that women and young girls are particularly vulnerable in the current climate.
Kaur further criticized the government's handling of public demonstrations, alleging that police have been preventing citizens from gathering to express their grief and have detained several party leaders ahead of planned protests in Mansa. She described the government's performance over the last four years as disappointing, citing widespread difficulties faced by teachers, nurses, and sanitation workers across the state.
The Incident in Mansa
The violent incident occurred when Parminder Singh Jhota was shot by a medical shop owner. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Jhota succumbed to his injuries, leaving a void in the local anti-drug movement and sparking widespread outrage across the region.