Akal Takht Leader Declares Punjab Activist a Martyr After Fatal Shooting
Giani Kuldip Singh Gargar honors Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug activist murdered in Punjab, calling for unity against drug-related violence.
Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead while confronting a drug dealer in Punjab.
Akal Takht Jathedar labeled him a martyr and condemned the government's response to the incident.
The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee will cover medical expenses for the injured.
In a significant development, Giani Kuldip Singh Gargar, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, met with the family of Parvinder Singh Jhota, an anti-drug activist who was tragically shot dead earlier this week in Mansa, Punjab. Jhota was killed by a shop owner after confronting him about selling drugs. Gargar honored Jhota's legacy by declaring him a martyr, emphasizing the pressing issue of drug abuse among Punjab's youth.
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in Punjab, with Gargar stating that those who speak out against drugs are often targeted. He lamented that while the youth are succumbing to drug overdoses, activists like Jhota are being silenced through violence. During a prayer service, Gargar expressed his condolences and urged the community to support Jhota's family in their quest for justice.
Gargar criticized the Punjab government's handling of the situation, particularly a minister's characterization of the shooting as a personal dispute. He condemned this narrative as an attempt to undermine Jhota's activism and sacrifice. The Jathedar also highlighted the need for a collective response from all communities in Punjab to combat the drug crisis, asserting that the issue transcends religious boundaries.
The Akal Takht leader's remarks come in the wake of a 'Punjab bandh' that showcased widespread community solidarity against drug-related violence. He called for the eradication of the drug menace from its roots, placing the onus on the government to take decisive action. Furthermore, he announced that the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) would cover the medical expenses for those injured during the incident, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the victims and their families.
As the investigation continues, with the alleged shooter, Ashwani Kumar, arrested in Rajasthan, Gargar's statements underscore the urgent need for a unified front against drug trafficking in Punjab. The community's response to this tragedy may shape future activism and policies aimed at addressing the drug crisis in the region.
