Anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was cremated on Sunday in his native village in Mansa amidst a large gathering of mourners, 26 days after he was fatally shot for protesting against the sale of narcotics. The tragic killing, which occurred while he was broadcasting live on social media, had triggered widespread outrage, protests, and intense political friction across Punjab. Following a post-mortem examination at PGIMER, his mortal remains were brought back to Mansa from Chandigarh on Saturday. The final rites were performed in his family fields located along Chakeria Road, with numerous supporters and residents in attendance.
Broad Daylight Shooting During a Facebook Live
The incident dates back to October 13, when Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot dead in broad daylight outside a medical store in a busy market area of Mansa city. He was conducting a live session on social media at the time of the attack. The owner of the medical store opened fire on him because he had tried to stop the illegal sale of drugs at the establishment. The accused was subsequently arrested by the authorities. Before the cremation took place, a large number of people visited his residence to pay their final respects.
Family Ends 22-Day Protest After Talks
Ever since the murder took place, the family of Parvinder Singh Jhota had been staging relentless demonstrations demanding justice. The family eventually called off their 22-day protest on Wednesday, November 4, following discussions with representatives of the Punjab government, and agreed to let the post-mortem proceed. Consequently, his body was moved from the civil hospital mortuary in Mansa to PGIMER in Chandigarh early Friday morning as the family concluded their prolonged sit-in protest.
Father Appeals to Youth to Shun Drugs
During the final rites, the father of the slain activist, Bhim Singh, urged the youth of Punjab to take a pledge against consuming intoxicants. He stated that his son sacrificed his life while fighting against this deep-rooted societal evil. He noted, "I thank the Joint Action Committee, which stood by us throughout this entire time." The Joint Action Committee, also referred to as the Parvinder Singh Jhota Insaf Action Committee, is a collective of various social organizations and activists formed in Punjab in the wake of the murder.
