The last prayer and the Bhog of the Paath for Parvinder Singh Jhotta, who raised his voice against drug abuse in Mansa, were held at the historic Takht Sri Damdama Sahib on Sunday. A religious and emotional atmosphere prevailed. A large number of devotees from various districts of Punjab, representatives of social organizations, religious figures, and leaders of various political parties attended the gathering.
Everyone paid tribute to Jhotta and expressed condolences to his family. Demands were also raised for justice in Jhotta’s murder and for his voice against drug abuse.
Jhotta’s family honored with a Siropa
Jhota’s father, Bhim Singh, mother, wife, and two children were present at the gathering. The family first bowed their heads and offered prayers at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. The presence of the two children, who had lost their father, moved the audience. The family remembered Jhota and said they would continue to seek justice for him.
Following this, a religious program was held in the new Diwan Hall. Ragi groups performed Gurbani Shabad Kirtan. After the offering of the prayer, an Ardaas was held. During the gathering, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgajj of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar Baba Tek Singh of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib honored Jhota’s father Bhim Singh, mother, wife, and other family members with Siropas. Condolences were also expressed, honoring the family’s struggle and courage.
Many political and religious figures attended
Many prominent figures from Punjab’s political and religious circles participated in the final Ardaas for Parvinder Singh Jhota. These included Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Manpreet Singh Ayali, former Congress MLAs Nazar Singh Manshahia and Sukhwinder Singh Aulakh, former Rajya Sabha MP Balwinder Singh Bhunder, MLA Biba Baljinder Kaur, BJP leader Jagdeep Singh Nakai, and former Communist Party MLA Hardev Singh Arshi.
Warish Punjab Dey leaders Navjot Kaur Lambi, Jaskaran Singh Kahn Singh Wala, Bharatiya Kisan Union Krantikari leader Surjit Singh Phool, and MP Simranjit Singh Mann also attended the gathering. MP Amritpal Singh’s father, Bapu Tarsem Singh, also attended with his supporters.
Jathedar expresses concern over drug abuse in Punjab
Speaking to reporters after the gathering, Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgajj expressed serious concern over the increasing prevalence of drug abuse in Punjab. He said that the drug problem in the state has reached a very serious level. The government claims to be curbing drug abuse, but the situation on the ground remains worrisome.
The Jathedar stated that there is hardly a village in Punjab where a youth has not died due to drug addiction. He warned that if effective steps are not taken to curb the spread of drug abuse, the consequences could be even more serious in the future.
He also expressed concern over the widespread addiction of youth to a single drug prescribed as a de-addiction pill. He stressed the need to take this problem seriously and make concerted efforts to prevent youth from becoming addicted.
Jhotha was shot dead on October 13th
It is noteworthy that Parvinder Singh Jhotha was shot dead on October 13th. He was in the news for his anti-drug activities and his active involvement in the Mansa area. Since his murder, his family and the Insaaf Action Committee have been continuously demanding justice. The family says that while paying tribute to Jhota, the fight for justice for him must also continue.
Tight security arrangements for the gathering
In view of the large number of people expected to attend the final prayer, the police administration had made extensive security arrangements. Police forces led by the officers of various police stations were deployed in the Takht Sahib complex and surrounding areas. Women police officers were also deployed along with plainclothes officers.
Metal detectors were installed at the main entrance of the Bhai Dall Singh Diwan Hall. Senior police officers were monitoring the entire event. Meanwhile, the Takht Sahib administrators had also made necessary arrangements in view of the large influx of devotees.