Chandigarh, Oct 14 — A call for a shutdown across Punjab on Thursday following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota has received support from several political parties and organisations, including the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the Congress and farmer unions.
Its statewide impact and the extent of participation by shops, transport services and other institutions from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. are likely to disrupt life, especially daily commuters.
The backing from religious, political and farmers' organisations has lent wider support to the shutdown call, which seeks to draw attention to the killing and the broader issue of drug trafficking in the state.
The shutdown has been called by a joint action committee formed after the killing.
The committee has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the removal of Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.
It has also sought a post-mortem examination by a panel from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh.
The protesters at the victim's hometown Mansa have said they will not allow Jhota's last rites until their demands are met.
The victim's family has expressed anger over the delay in registering the first information report (FIR), which they say was filed nearly 30 hours after the crime.
They alleged that there was a serious lapse by the police during and after the incident.
The SGPC has announced that its offices and institutions will remain closed on Thursday in support of the bandh. The SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami has expressed solidarity with the campaign against drugs and the bereaved family.
The support from the SGPC, SAD, farmer organisations and the Congress underscored the growing public and political pressure for accountability over the killing.
Jhota, 45, was shot dead on Tuesday at a medical store in Mansa while confronting its owner, Ashwani Kumar, over the alleged sale of drugs.
The confrontation was being livestreamed on Facebook.
Four of Jhota's aides were also injured in the firing.
The killing triggered protests in Mansa, with residents and supporters demanding action against those allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.
Police stepped up security in the area amid fears of further demonstrations.
The accused was subsequently arrested in Rajasthan.
The incident has also intensified criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led state government's efforts to curb drug abuse and trafficking.
Opposition leaders have questioned the effectiveness of the state's anti-drug campaign and raised concerns over law and order.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the murder, saying everyone responsible for the crime would face strict action, with the main accused already arrested within 24 hours.
He said no drug peddler, regardless of their influence or power, would be spared, as protecting Punjab's youth from the drug menace remained a top priority.
In a statement, Chief Minister Mann said, "The Punjab Police will leave no stone unturned in investigating the case, and exemplary punishment will be ensured for the culprits."