Parvinder Jhota case: Over 100 organisations announce gherao of CM’s residence in Sangrur on November 5

PTC Web Desk: Farmer, labour and other organisations have announced a gherao of the Chief Minister’s residence in Sangrur on November 5. The protest is aimed at getting justice for Parvinder Singh Jhota and pressing the government to rein in drug abuse in Punjab.

The decision was taken on Friday at a meeting called by the Action Committee in Mansa. The meeting lasted four hours and was attended by representatives of more than 100 organisations, including farmers, labourers, employees, teachers and students.

Demands raised

Besides justice for Jhota, the organisations demanded effective steps to stop the spread of drugs, immediate release of the arrested leaders and acceptance of all the demands of the morcha. Leaders voiced deep concern over the growing drug menace and questioned the government’s performance. They alleged that drugs were destroying families, yet the government was taking action against people demanding justice instead of listening to them.

They said a united struggle was needed, both to get justice for Jhota’s family and to save Punjab’s youth from drugs. They also strongly condemned the alleged police excesses and the arrests of leaders.

Statewide mobilisation

The meeting discussed preparations for the November 5 gherao and called for mobilisation across Punjab so that people from all sections take part.

Among those who spoke were Sarwan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Bogh Singh Mansa and Kaka Singh Kotra of the BKU (Ekta Sidhupur), Aman Patwari of the Anti-Drug Task Force, Darshan Pal of the Krantikari Kisan Union Punjab, Nirmal Singh Jhanduke of BKU Lakhowal, Nirbhai Singh Dhudike of the Kirti Kisan Union, Kulwant Singh Kishangarh of BKU Ekta Dakaunda (Dhaner), and Amarjit Rara of BKU Azad.