Amritsar, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Farmers and supporters gathered at Amritsar’s Golden Gate on Thursday as a statewide Punjab bandh was observed to protest the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and demand stronger action against the drug menace. The protesters demanded accountability from the Bhagwant Mann government and an impartial investigation into the killing.
The demonstration was led by Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher, who said the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and affiliated unions had appealed to people to support the shutdown. Several farmer unions, student organisations and trade unions had also announced plans to block National Highway-44, a key route connecting Amritsar with Delhi. Security was tightened across the city amid the bandh.
Addressing the gathering, Pandher thanked Punjabis for supporting the shutdown and said protesters had burnt an effigy of the state government. He demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann resign on moral grounds and that the Director General of Police step down.
Pandher called for a thorough probe into Jhota’s murder, saying those behind the chemist shop should be investigated regardless of whether they had political connections or links to the drug trade. He also questioned the government’s claim of zero tolerance towards drugs and alleged that substance abuse remained widespread in Punjab.
He further called for a team of 10 doctors to examine personnel at 10 police stations, alleging that some police officers might be under the influence of intoxicants. The allegations could not be independently verified.
Jhota was shot dead in Mansa following a confrontation at a medical store over the alleged sale of addictive substances. His killing triggered widespread outrage, with his father, Bhim Singh, calling for a bandh on October 15. Farmer organisations, Opposition parties and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) extended support to the demand.
Chief Minister Mann had promised the strictest punishment for those responsible and reiterated that his government would not protect anyone involved in drug smuggling. He also appealed to the public to maintain peace.
Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon announced his party’s support for the shutdown, while Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh expressed solidarity with Jhota’s family and pledged to raise the demand for justice.
The bandh has intensified pressure on the state government to ensure accountability in the murder case and strengthen efforts to tackle drug abuse.
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