The Barnala-Sirsa Road in Mansa, Punjab, saw partial restoration of traffic flow on Tuesday, two weeks after an extensive blockade was initiated following the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. One lane of the crucial artery and a connecting link road have been cleared, offering a degree of relief to commuters and local businesses that had been severely impacted by the prolonged protest.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the decision to ease the blockade came after deliberations between the local Beopar Mandal, or traders’ association, and the protest action committee. Shopkeepers had voiced significant concerns about the disruption to commerce, especially with the festive season underway, prompting the meetings aimed at finding a resolution. Traders had previously convened on Sunday to assess the cumulative effect of the road closure on sales and general movement.
Following a series of discussions, including one on Monday with the protest action committee, authorities permitted the reopening of a single lane near Tinkoni. This partial restoration allows for the movement of vehicles, albeit with restrictions, easing the bottleneck that had paralyzed the region’s transport network.
Despite the partial reopening, the protest itself has not been entirely withdrawn. Demonstrators remain resolute in their core demands, which notably include the resignations of the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police (DGP). These demands underscore the deep-seated grievances that fueled the protest following the activist’s death.
Sub-Inspector Yadvinder Singh, who serves as the district in-charge for Mansa traffic police, confirmed the partial opening of the road. He stated that the decision was contingent upon the successful engagement between the traders’ body and the protest committee, indicating a collaborative approach to mitigate the immediate fallout of the demonstration.
Bhim Singh, the father of the slain activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, reiterated on Monday that the protesters would not relent on their demands. He affirmed that his stance remained unchanged and that he would not compromise under any circumstances. Mr. Singh publicly asserted that drugs remained readily available in Mansa, claiming that their distribution continued even near the residence of the Mansa Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). He also noted that the prices of illicit substances had reportedly doubled in the aftermath of his son’s murder.
Parvinder Singh Jhota was shot and killed on October 13 at a chemist shop in Mansa. The incident, which gained significant public attention after being streamed live on Facebook, was reportedly linked to a confrontation over the alleged sale of banned drugs. The killing immediately sparked widespread public outcry and led to the ensuing protests and road blockade.
The body of Parvinder Singh Jhota remains in the mortuary of the local Civil Hospital, with the post-mortem examination pending further procedures. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of four individuals in connection with the killing, including the primary accused, Ashwani, identified as a chemist. These suspects are currently in the custody of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has taken over the investigation. The CBI team has been actively conducting raids at various locations across Mansa in an ongoing effort to gather further evidence and apprehend any other individuals involved.
The Chenab Times News Desk