Bhim Singh, an ex-serviceman and father of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, has made his position clear. He will not hold any talks with the police or the government unless the protest committee is part of the discussion. His son was allegedly shot dead by a chemist after a verbal confrontation over drugs at the chemist's shop in Mansa.
Bhim Singh blamed the police for his son's death. He spoke late at night while addressing protesters who were spending the night at the protest site.
Punjab Anti-Drug Activist's Father Blames Police, Sets Condition for Talks
The father's message to the protesters was direct and emotional. He told them that those spending the night at the protest site were like God to him. He said he had done his duty as a father and would not turn his back on the people of Punjab.
"Those who are spending the night here in protest are like God to me. I have done my duty as a father. I will not turn my back on the people of Punjab. We will endure poverty and hunger but will not succumb to any temptation." — Bhim Singh
He also appealed to the public to join the protest in large numbers. His condition for talks — that the protest committee must be involved — makes it clear that he does not trust the police or the government to handle the matter on their own.
What the Protest Means for Punjab's Anti-Drug Movement
The protest is not just about one family's loss. It has become a gathering point for people who are angry about the drug problem in Punjab and the way it is being handled. The father's refusal to talk without the committee shows that the protesters want a collective voice, not a private settlement.
- Parvinder Singh Jhota was allegedly shot dead by a chemist following a verbal confrontation over drugs at his shop in Mansa.
- His father, Bhim Singh, blamed the police for his son's death.
- Bhim Singh said he will not talk to the police or the government without the protest committee's participation.
- He appealed to the public to join the protest in large numbers.
Our Take: Why This Stand Matters
In our view, Bhim Singh's decision to refuse talks without the protest committee is a strong message. It shows that the family does not want this to be treated as a small, isolated case. They want the system to answer for what happened.
The fact that an anti-drug activist was allegedly killed by a chemist over a confrontation about drugs is deeply troubling. It raises serious questions about how safe those who speak up against drugs really are. If someone who actively works against drugs can be shot dead in his own area, what does that say about the protection available to ordinary citizens?
To put it plainly, this is not just a law and order issue. It is a test of whether the government and police are serious about the drug problem or not. The father's condition for talks puts the ball in the authorities' court. They can either include the protest committee and have a real conversation, or they can refuse and face growing public anger.
For readers, the key takeaway is simple. The protest in Mansa is not just about one death. It is about whether people can raise their voice against drugs without fear. The father has made it clear that he will not back down. The question now is whether the authorities will listen.
