Punjab Bandh on October 15 Gains Cross-Party Support Over Jhota Murder

Punjab is likely to see disruptions on Thursday, October 15, as a bandh has been called after the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa district. The statewide shutdown call has gained support from political parties across Punjab, farmer unions, religious bodies, social organisations and Bar associations. The Joint Struggle Committee leading the agitation has appealed for a shutdown from 6 am to 5 pm. Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, has urged supporters to maintain peace and clarified that emergency services would be allowed to operate during the bandh. The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced its support for the shutdown. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said the committee’s offices and institutions would remain closed on October 15 in solidarity with the demand for justice. The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Ekta Sidhupur has also extended its support. Political parties have joined the call, with Shiromani Akali Dal senior leader Daljit Singh Cheema and Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon announcing their parties’ full support for the bandh. Newly appointed Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Pargat Singh has appealed to Congress workers across the state to support the shutdown. During his visit to Mansa, he addressed a gathering, expressed shock over Jhota’s murder and demanded justice for the bereaved family. The principal demands of the agitation include a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Jhota’s murder and the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Director General of Police (DGP). Jhota was shot dead in Mansa on October 13 during a confrontation with medical store owner Ashwani Kumar over the alleged sale of intoxicating medicines. The killing triggered protests, with his family and supporters demanding strict action against those responsible and calling for a statewide shutdown. However, no statewide holiday notification has been confirmed. Students and parents should check announcements from their respective educational institutions and district administrations. The extent of the shutdown is expected to vary across districts depending on the participation of local traders, transport operators, educational institutions and other organisations.