Congress leader Pargat Singh joined protesters in Mansa on Friday to demand justice for murdered anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. Singh blamed the Punjab government for failing to curb drugs. He said, "If drugs are being eradicated, what about families being devastated every day?" He also visited Daljit Singh’s family.
Pargat Singh joined protesters in Mansa seeking justice for murdered anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The Congress leader blamed the Punjab government for failing to curb drugs and protect campaigners.
Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh on Friday joined protesters demanding justice for anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was murdered in Mansa town more than a fortnight ago, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
Singh criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, alleging that it remained occupied with advertisements and hollow claims while the state's youth continued to fall victim to drugs.
Questioning the government's claims about its action against drugs, he asked, "If drugs are being eradicated, what about families being devastated every day?"
Singh said people had been forced to take to the streets to seek justice for Jhota, who had spoken out against drugs. "This is clear evidence of the government's failure.
A government that claims to be eliminating drugs has failed to deliver justice even to those fighting against this menace. Justice must be ensured for Jhota. Safety of those raising voices against drugs must be guaranteed," he said.
During his visit to Mansa, Singh also went to the home of Daljit Singh in Bhamme Kalan village. The 35-year-old was found dead in Mansa on Monday, PTI reported.
Daljit's family claimed that he died of a drug overdose. Police have disputed the claim and registered a murder case against three people.
Singh offered his condolences to Daljit's mother and wife. He said a mother had lost her son, a wife her life partner, and children their father's support. "Does the chief minister have any answer to these tears and shattered families?" he asked.
The Congress leader said the Aam Aadmi Party had promised a drug-free Punjab before coming to power but was now running away from that commitment.
He said the Punjab Congress would stand by families affected by drugs and continue its campaign to secure justice for the families of Jhota and Daljit. Singh added that a government unable to protect the lives of young people had no moral right to remain in power.
"Punjab will tolerate no more dead bodies, shattered families or government lies. Bhagwant Mann must answer to the people, take responsibility for his government's failure, and resign," he said.
More than a fortnight after Jhota's murder, his family has refused to allow a post-mortem until its demands, including Mann's resignation, are met.
On Wednesday, a joint action committee seeking justice for Jhota called for a protest outside the homes and offices of AAP MLAs on October 31, according to PTI.
Singh's visit brought together the demands for justice in the deaths of Jhota and Daljit, with the Congress leader accusing the state government of failing to tackle drugs and protect those who speak out against them.