In view of Mansa shooting, rampage, Punjab chemists’ body: Will only back those who are genuine
Source Entity
The Indian Express
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has demanded accountability from the Punjab government following the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. The incident has intensified political friction between the Centre and the AAP-led state government regarding law and order and the state's long-standing drug crisis.
The Escalating Crisis of Narcotics and Civil Safety in Punjab
The recent murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota, a prominent anti-drug crusader and former boxer, has thrust the state of Punjab into a volatile political and social debate. On October 13, 2026, Jhota was shot dead at a local medical store in the Mansa district, an event that has not only sparked public outrage but has also triggered a formal inquiry from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. This tragedy serves as a grim indicator of the persistent and evolving threat posed by the nexus between drug syndicates and organized crime within the region.
The Intersection of Activism and Organized Crime
Parvinder Singh Jhota was a well-known figure for his 'Nasha Roko, Rozgaar Do' (Stop Drugs, Provide Employment) campaign, which sought to address the systemic roots of drug abuse in Mansa and neighboring districts. His death is not an isolated occurrence but represents a growing pattern of violence directed at those who openly challenge narcotics networks. The targeting of an activist of his stature suggests that anti-drug campaigners are increasingly operating in a high-risk environment, raising critical questions about the state's capacity to protect those who act as the frontline of civil society against the drug menace.
Political Accountability and Central Oversight
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has formally signaled that the Ministry of Home Affairs will seek detailed responses from the Punjab government regarding these narcotics-related deaths. Shah’s critique of the Bhagwant Mann-led administration highlights a deepening rift over the state's law and order management. By linking the death of Jhota to other tragedies—such as the incident in Dirba where a father allegedly consumed poison under pressure—the Union government is framing these events as symptomatic of a broader failure in governance and public safety.
The State Government’s Response
In response to the mounting pressure, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has publicly stated that his administration will refrain from political interference in the police’s investigative processes. This stance appears to be an attempt to restore public confidence in law enforcement agencies. However, the AAP government faces a significant challenge: it must balance the need for a non-partisan, effective investigation into the murder of activists with the political necessity of addressing the public's perception that the drug trade is growing unchecked.
Broader Implications for Punjab’s Future
For decades, Punjab has battled a severe drug abuse epidemic that has impacted its social fabric and economic stability. The current climate of fear, characterized by the silencing of anti-drug voices, threatens to undo years of grassroots efforts aimed at rehabilitation and awareness. If the state cannot ensure the safety of its activists, the efficacy of future anti-drug campaigns will likely be compromised, leading to a potential surge in narcotics-related activities and organized crime. The outcome of this investigation will serve as a bellwether for the state's ability to reclaim control over law and order in the face of deep-seated criminal influence.