Private schools in Punjab were closed on Thursday as part of a bandh called in response to the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The bandh affected several districts, with markets shutting down and protests taking place. This action was organized by Jhota's family and supported by political parties, farmers' unions, and government employee groups.
- Private schools in Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar, Moga, and Mansa declared holidays.
- Markets and shops closed in districts including Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, and Mansa.
- Emergency services continued to operate despite the bandh.
- Protesters demanded resignations of Punjab's Chief Minister and police officials.
- A CBI investigation into Jhota's murder has been requested by activists.
Why Were Schools Closed During the Punjab Bandh?
Schools were closed as a precautionary measure during the bandh called to protest the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota. The bandh was a response to the killing of Jhota, who was known for his activism against drug abuse and illegal drug sales. Closing schools helped ensure student safety amid the shutdown and protests.
Who Was Parvinder Singh Jhota and Why Was He Murdered?
Parvinder Singh Jhota was an anti-drug activist in Punjab who actively spoke out against drug abuse and the illegal sale of addictive substances at chemist shops. He was shot in broad daylight at a busy marketplace in Mansa town while hosting a Facebook Live session, during which he questioned a medical store owner about selling addictive drugs to an elderly man. The accused, Ashwani Kumar, the medical store owner, was arrested in Rajasthan.
Which Groups Supported the Punjab Bandh?
The bandh was called by Jhota's family and supported by several political parties including Congress, Akali Dal, BJP, and Akali Dal Waris Punjab De. Farmers' organizations such as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and other unions, along with state government employee unions, also backed the shutdown. Various farmer groups staged demonstrations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee in Amritsar.
What Are the Demands of Protesters Following Jhota's Murder?
A joint action committee of organizations and social activists formed after Jhota's murder has made several demands. They call for the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. Additionally, they demand the dismissal of senior police officials in Mansa and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder. Protesters accuse the state government of failing to control the drug menace.
How Has the Punjab Government Responded to the Incident?
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the murder and promised the strictest punishment for those responsible. He reaffirmed his government's zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and appealed for peace among the public. Despite opposition claims of law and order breakdown, Mann emphasized maintaining calm and warned against conspiracies related to the case.
