Mansa’s markets resumed operations on Friday, marking a partial return to normalcy after a three-day shutdown prompted by the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. Despite the reopening, an undercurrent of fear persists among local residents following days of escalating unrest, including targeted arson incidents.
Markets Reopen, Protests Continue
The partial reopening of markets on Friday followed consecutive days of civil disturbance. On Wednesday, an unidentified mob set fire to the chemist shop owned by Ashwani Kumar, who is reportedly the main accused in Jhota’s murder. The situation intensified on Thursday when protesters set a tobacco kiosk ablaze, contributing to the palpable unease within the community.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the protests, which began earlier in the week, entered their fourth consecutive day on Friday. Demonstrations are currently underway at two key locations: Tinkoni on the Barnala-Sirsa road, and at the Mansa Civil Hospital. The body of Parvinder Singh Jhota remains in the hospital’s mortuary pending the completion of a post-mortem examination.
Demands Presented to Authorities
The police and civil administration have engaged in multiple meetings with the action committee spearheading the protests in an effort to negotiate a resolution. However, the committee has maintained a firm stance on its list of demands. These demands include the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Director General of Police (DGP), alongside a call for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Jhota’s murder.
Further demands from the committee encompass the dismissal of the Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and the concerned Station House Officer (SHO). The committee also insists that accountability be fixed and First Information Reports (FIRs) be registered against any officials found to be negligent or complicit. Additionally, the committee is seeking compensation from the state government for four individuals who sustained injuries during a firing incident that occurred on Tuesday.
Medical Examination Protocol
A significant demand from the protest organizers pertains to the protocol for the post-mortem examination of the deceased activist. The committee has specifically requested that the examination be conducted by a panel of doctors from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. This call for external medical expertise highlights the deep-seated distrust in local investigative and medical procedures.
As of the latest reports, the Station House Officer of the City-2 police station, Inspector Beant Kaur, has been suspended. This administrative action is seen as a preliminary step by authorities responding to the escalating situation and the demands put forth by the protest committee.
The situation in Mansa remains fluid, with authorities attempting to de-escalate tensions through dialogue while protesters maintain their demonstrations and demands for justice and accountability in the wake of the anti-drug activist’s murder.
The Chenab Times News Desk