Punjab Protests Erupt After Killing of Anti-Drug Activist

Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead on October 13 in broad daylight in Punjab's Mansa town, leaving public emotions running high as his last rites remain unperformed a fortnight later.

Protests and Demands

A stretch of road in the Tikoni area of Mansa has turned into a permanent protest site, where giant hoardings urge people to protect the slain activist's ideals and carry forward the fight against drugs. Protesters at the site are demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister and the state Director General of Police, pointing to the government's failure to handle the state's long-standing drug problem. A steady crowd of elderly people, youth, women, and men continues to visit the permanent sit-in site past barricades, while traffic police have set up diversions.

Context

Drug addiction and the illicit narcotics trade have remained major public health and political issues in Punjab for more than two decades. High-profile incidents involving activists often draw intense public scrutiny and political attention, particularly as political parties look ahead to upcoming electoral cycles in the state.