Srinagar, Oct 22: Sikh organisations and members of the Sikh community in Kashmir on Wednesday paid tributes to slain Punjab anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota and called for justice for his family.
The All India Sikh Students Federation (AISSF), Sikh Naujawan Kashmir and the Sikh Sangat of Srinagar organised a special Ardaas at Gurdwara Chatti Padshahi in Rainawari to remember Jhota and honour his struggle against drug abuse.
Addressing the gathering, AISSF J&K president Manjit Singh expressed solidarity with Jhota’s family and extended support to the Mansa Morcha, which is seeking justice in the case.
“We stand strongly with the family of Shaheed Bhai Parminder Singh Jhota. His fearless struggle against the drug mafia was for the betterment and rise of the Panth and Punjab. He will remain an inspiration for all of us, always,” he said.
Singh urged the Punjab Government to make serious efforts to address the demands raised by the Mansa Morcha.
“We extend our full support to the Mansa Morcha which is calling for justice for Shaheed Parminder Singh Ji,” he said.
Sikh youth leader Angad Singh Khalsa, while addressing the gathering, recalled Jhota’s campaign against drugs and his efforts to protect the youth of Punjab.
He said Jhota had emerged as a fearless voice against the drug menace and that his sacrifice would continue to inspire Sikh youth to stand against social evils.
A special Ardaas was offered for the departed soul, with the congregation praying to Almighty Waheguru to grant eternal peace to Jhota and strength to his family.
The gathering was attended by AISSF J&K general secretary Rajpal Singh, Prithpal Singh, Avneet Singh, GPC member Sukhbir Singh, Bhai Tirth Singh and a large number of members of the Sikh Sangat, including Sikh youth.
Jhota was killed while livestreaming a video on Facebook. Following demands from his family, the Punjab Government has handed over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for investigation.
